Defenses to Decide France vs. Spain

Spain enters the match with remarkable defensive numbers: just one goal conceded in six matches and a record six consecutive clean sheets. Unai Simón went 649 minutes without conceding before the streak ended against Belgium. Aymeric Laporte and Pau Cubarsí form a composed center-back pairing, with Cubarsí's calm on the ball serving as Spain's escape valve.

France has also tightened up defensively with three consecutive clean sheets in knockout stage, featuring physically dominant center-backs William Saliba and Dayot Upamecano. The potential concern is Aurélien Tchouaméni's injury, which could leave the back line more exposed to Spain's midfield movement. Recent history favors Spain, who won both previous semifinal meetings, including a 5-4 thriller where France's defense struggled to contain their movement. sport-newz.biz