History gives grounds for optimism for blaugranes through to semi-finals
No fewer than six FC Barcelona players remain in the hunt for international glory with their national sides. Spain with Lamine Yamal, Pedri, Ferran and Fermín and France with Kounde are still in Euro 2024, while Uruguay and Araujo are in the next round of the Copa América. Both tournaments are at the semi-final stage, so being down to the final four means the chances of lifting the trophy are much greater.
Amancio, Iniesta... and Mikel Merino
In Europe, even though Spain and France face each other on July 9, kick-off 9.00pm CEST, with one set to fall just short of reaching the final, history generally gives grounds for optimism. That's also the case for Uruguay. When it comes to Spain, the last gasp qualification for the semi-finals via Mikel Merino's goal against Germany in the 119th minute was almost unprecedented. This was only the third goal ever by Spain in the second half of extra time in a major tournament, but the previous two ended up with title wins.
You have to go back to Euro 1964 for the first. A goal by Amancio in the 115th minute of the semi-final against Hungary saw La Roja through to the final (2-1) where they overcame the USSR 2-1 to win Spain's first major title. The second was the unforgettable 2010 World Cup final, Andrés Iniesta scoring the iconic goal in the 116th minute against the Netherlands to put the star on the Spanish jersey. Let's see if Merino's late goal also leads to the same outcome.
Kounde takes first penalty in career
What Jules Kounde and France would have wanted to avoid has actually fuelled further belief. The French side needed to go the full distance to qualify, and their past record didn't provide much hope, having been knocked out of the last four major tournaments when the match went to extra time. The last success was in Euro 2000, when a golden goal by David Trezeguet in the 103rd minute saw them lift the trophy. Qualification this time against Portugal was decided from the penalty spot, with Kounde stepping up to score a penalty into the top corner, which was only the first penalty he had ever taken in his career! What character from the blaugrana in his quest to win the European tournament.
First semi-final for Uruguay since 2011
Crossing the Atlantic Ocean, Uruguay went through their own travails to ensure qualification. Araujo and Raphinha both played, with the blaugrana centre-back having to leave the field injured in the first half. The second half saw Nández sent off after 74 minutes, giving Brazil the advantage to prevent the game going to penalties, but it wasn't to be. Keeper Rochet made his mark and helped his side through to the semi-finals for the first time since 2011. That year they went on to win, let's see if Araujo's side can do it again.