Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the UEFA Nations League match.
Spain, the current European champions, are targeting another UEFA Nations League title. France, who lifted the trophy in the previous edition, are ready for a fierce contest. The emphatic 5:0 win by Paris Saint-Germain over Inter Milan in the UEFA Champions League final will undoubtedly serve as additional motivation for the France squad.
Spain
Spain have gone unbeaten in eight matches since the group stage began, keeping three clean sheets along the way. In the quarter-finals against the Netherlands (2:2 and 4:3 on penalties), the squad showed attacking intent. With Rodrigo Hernández returning to midfield, their opponents are expected to have fewer opportunities to threaten. The absence of Ferran Torres, who had become a key figure as a false nine, could limit the impact of Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams on the flanks, particularly when looking for a central target.
France
Since their second group game, France have conceded only three goals across five matches en route to the knockout round. Their defensive unit was outstanding in the second leg of the quarter-finals against Croatia (3:0 on penalties), allowing just 0.18 xG over 120 minutes and not facing a single shot on target. Didier Deschamps will have a full squad at his disposal and may consider a back three to better neutralise Lamine Yamal.
Spain vs France Prediction
This match will also feature a head-to-head between leading Ballon d’Or hopefuls Ousmane Dembélé, Lamine Yamal, and Pedro González López at international level. On neutral ground in Germany, it is unlikely that Spain and France will produce more than two goals, with both teams expected to approach the game with caution and mutual respect.
