IT’S the first of the two big showdowns this evening as Zara Gladman’s France takes on Christopher Brookmyre’s Spain in a battle to book their place in the Euro 2024 final.
Spain have arguably been the most in form team of the tournament as they were able to see off an impressive German side and dump the host nation out of the semi-finals with a 2-1 win.
The Scottish author (below) will hope tonight's match won’t be the last chapter in the Spanish side's Euros campaign and that they can muster another impressive performance.
However, the Spaniards have been dealt a severe blow to their squad as golden boy Pedri limped off inside the first 10 minutes against Germany and is out for the rest of the tournament.
It’s not just injury woes either as Daniel Carvajal will miss the game through suspension after getting a red card in the semi-final.
There is a boost for Brookmyre’s chances as Alvaro Morata will be available to play against France after initial reports wrongly suggested he received a yellow card in his last match and would have been suspended.
Brookmyre is playing for Médecins Sans Frontières.
Gladman will be hoping France can pull themselves out of their knockout slump, as they have looked poor over the last few games despite progressing to the semi-finals.
France have yet to score a goal for themselves so far in the knockout stages. They won their last 16 match against Belgium thanks to an own goal, and they failed to score against Portugal as they qualified through a penalty shootout.
However, if there is one team that can light up a football pitch with a flick of a switch it is this French side with their talisman Kylian Mbappe.
The Qatar World Cup just two years ago is a reminder of the superstar squad this French team can be.
Gladman is playing for her chosen charity Medical Aid for Palestinians.
Tonight has all the hallmarks of a real classic game. Although the overall quality of football at this Euros has been questionable, these two sides have the makings to go all the way and be crowned champions of Europe.
