(Football news) The 2nd addition of the UEFA Nations League has been a huge success with 2 very entertaining semi-finals. Football fans all over the world will be hoping for an even more action packed final between Spain and France. Spain booked their place in the final by beating a 10-man Italy while France defeated Belgium in dramatic fashion to reach the finals.
Spain Squad
Goalkeepers: Unai Simon, David de Gea, Robert Sanchez.
Defenders: Cesar Azpilicueta, Pedro Porro, Eric Garcia, Pau Torres, Aymeric Laporte, Inigo Martinez, Sergio Reguilon, Marcos Alonso.
Midfielders: Sergio Busquets, Rodri Hernandez, Pedri, Mikel Merino, Koke, Gavi, Bryan Gill, Pablo Fornals.
Forwards: Ferran Torres, Pablo Sarabia, Mikel Oyarzabal, Yeremi Pino.
France Squad
Goalkeepers: Hugo Lloris, Mike Maignan, Benoit Costil.
Defenders: Lucas Digne, Leo Dubois, Lucas Hernandez, Presnel Kimpembe, Jules Kounde, Benjamin Pavard, Dayot Upamecano, Raphael Varane, Theo Hernandez.
Midfielders: Matteo Guendouzi, Paul Pogba, Adrien Rabiot, Aurelien Tchouameni, Jordan Veretout
Forwards: Wissam Ben Yedder, Karim Benzema, Moussa Diaby, Antoine Griezmann, Anthony Martial, Kylian Mbappe.
Strikers of both the teams Karim Benzema and Ferran Torres are in excellent touch. Torres scored twice against Italy while Benzema scored a goal that laid the foundation for France's comeback against Belgium.
Spain will play possession based football trying to attract the press and play between the lines. France on the other hand usually stay compact and play on the counter. The biggest concern for the Spanish defence will be Kylian Mbappe's pace. Spanish fullbacks Caesar Azpilicueta and Marcos Alonso aren't the quickest and may struggle to keep up with the PSG forward who will keep switching wings.
France will go for a 3 man back line because of the absence of N'golo Kante and not having a proper CDM in the squad. The front three of Kylian Mbappe, Karim Benzema and Antoine Griezmann will have the license to move around freely to exploit spaces. Presnel Kimpembe was left out of the side to accommodate a pacey back 3 of Raphael Varane, Jules Kounde and Lucas Hernandez. It'll be interesting to see if he does return to the starting XI.
After an impressive performance on his debut against Italy, Barcelona youngster Gavi should retain his place in the side. The midfielder brings much needed pace and energy that add to the quality of Koke and Sergio Busquets.
