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- Published: July 9, 2024 17:36
New Delhi: Spain thumped Germany for a 2-1 win to book a spot in the semifinals. On the other side, France also eked out Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal to book a mouthwatering clash against Spain. Although the Spanish fans were delirious, head coach Luis de la Fuente has a tough task ahead.
The La Roja will be without their in form centre back and right back- Le Normand and Carvajal. Added to this there was also a brewing rumour that Spanish captain Álvaro Morata will also miss the game against France. With the injury of Pedri and the suspension of Le Normand and Carvajal, Morata’s absence would have diminished La Roja’s chances of beating France.
🚨 The best CB in the world plays tonight. I can only pray for Morata 🙌 pic.twitter.com/J9Vmt4YOjQ
— Prince (@AfcPr1nce) July 9, 2024
However, things have not gone South for De la Fuente as Morata was given the green signal to play against France at the Allianz Arena. Naturally, he will be slotted in along with Yamal and Nico at the top.
What was the controversy?
It is believed that Morata’s alleged suspension was a result of a miscommunication from the broadcasters. Alvaro Morata was rumoured to have been shown a yellow card by on-field referee Anthony Taylor after Mikel Merino scored the decisive header in the 119th minute to take his side through.
🚨 BREAKING: The suspension that was given to Álvaro Morata was a mistake from the broadcaster. He will play the Euro semi-final.@marca pic.twitter.com/CmBhvspsTI
— Atletico Universe (@atletiuniverse) July 5, 2024
However, contradictory to what had transpired, referee Anthony Taylor removed any doubts of Morata not starting for La Roja. According to Taylor, he never issued any suspension for Morata which means he is eligible to play for the semifinals.
🇪🇸⚽️Luis De La Fuente: "Es totalmente injusto el tratamiento que se dispensa a una estrella, a un referente del fútbol nacional y nuestro capitán, que es Álvaro Morata."
🗣️ "Me posiciono totalmente a su favor y de su actitud como futbolista y como persona, desde luego." pic.twitter.com/xUaupN1OnW
— MARCA (@marca) July 8, 2024
Spain Probable lineup
The only changes that De la Fuente could come up with is substituting Sevilla’s right-back Jesús Navas for Dani Carvajal and Nacho for Le Normand. On the other hand, Dani Olmo who came as a substitute could also potentially get a start in the midfield alongside Rodri and Fabian Ruiz.
Playing XI
Unai Simon, Jesús Navas, Nacho, Aymeric Laporte, Marc Cucurella, Dani Olmo, Rodri, Fabian Ruiz, Lamine Yamal, Álvaro Morata, Nico Williams
