The quarter-finals of the two mainland championships, Euro and Copa America, have ended. Four teams each are now waiting to enter the field in the semi-final battle, where only one more match wins the dream final.
The four teams that have qualified for the semi-finals of the Euros are Spain, France, England and the Netherlands. On the other hand, Argentina, Canada, Uruguay and Colombia will play in the semi-finals of the Copa America. Let’s take a look at when these teams will face each other.
Who faces whom in the last four of Euro-Copa America?
Euro 2024
First semi-final
Spain-France
July 9, Tuesday, 1 p.m
Spain is playing great football in this year’s Euro. After defeating teams like Italy-Croatia in the group stage, they lost to Georgia and Germany in the knockout stages. Spain won 2-1 in Stuttgart after a close-fought game against Germany. They will enter the field as favorites in the semi-finals as well. On the other hand, despite reaching the semi-finals, France’s football has not been satisfactory so far.
Even in open play (barring penalties, free-kick-suicide goals) they haven’t scored a single goal so far. Kylian Mbappe, who played in a mask due to a nose injury, was also not at his best. But France is always a different team in big matches. Who knows, they have saved everything for the last two matches! If so, Spain’s forehead may burn.
Second semi-final
England-Netherlands
Wednesday, July 10, 1 p.m
Like France, England’s Euro has not fared too well. Even with one of the greatest stars of the era in the team, poor football in England has come under criticism. There have even been calls to sack Gareth Southgate midway through the tournament. But whatever the criticism, England are right through to the semi-finals of the Euros.
Last year’s runners-up do not want to return empty-handed this time. However, England’s opponent, the Netherlands, will not give up easily. The Dutch, who reached the semi-finals after 20 years, had a shaky start but played well in the knockout stage. As a result, the England-Netherlands final battle can become exciting.
Copa America
First semi-final
Argentina-Canada
July 10, Wednesday, 6 am
Argentina is having a dream time. After winning the Copa America in 2021, Lionel Scaloni’s team never looked back. They won the World Cup title again after 36 years. Now Argentina has a chance to win the Copa title for the second time in a row. Even if they couldn’t show their best, Argentina didn’t have much problem reaching the semi-finals. Now on their way to the final, their opponents are Canada, who are coming to play the Copa America for the first time. Canada made a surprise appearance in the first round and reached the semis. But overcoming Argentina in the semis will be as difficult as climbing Everest.
Second semi-final
Colombia-Uruguay
Thursday, July 11, 6 am
Colombia and Uruguay are playing great football in this year’s Copa America. They are moreover likely the two most energizing groups in the competition. Colombia is the best in the group after stopping Brazil from the group. And today, on the way to the semis, James Rodriguez-Luis Diazra blew up Panama 5-0. Even the team is undefeated in 27 consecutive matches.
Colombia, who are in great shape, now have their eyes on the finals. On the other hand, Uruguay won three of the three matches in the group stage and got the ticket to the quarter finals. And Marcelo Bielsa’s team has reached the semi after leaving behind Brazil in the last eight. Núñez-Valverdera will face Colombia with an eye on the final next Thursday.