France's march towards global football supremacy looks unassailable, but are they truly unbeatable? It's a question on everyone's lips as they take to the pitch against Morocco in Thursday evening's quarter-final showdown. With five straight wins and 14 goals scored – conceding just two along the way – Didier Deschamps' team has been painting a picture of dominance that's hard to ignore. Kylian Mbappe, Michael Olise, Ousmane Dembele, and Bradley Barcola have all played starring roles in this drama, their attacking prowess leaving fans on the edge of their seats.
But is it all smoke and mirrors? BBC Sport insiders believe there may be more to France's armour than meets the eye. According to Ian Dennis, a senior football reporter for BBC Radio 5 Live, Spain might just have the key to unlocking this French fortress. "France don't possess the same level of control as Spain," he points out, citing instances where Senegal and an understrength Norway side managed to create problems in earlier matches.
Phil McNulty, BBC Sport's chief football writer, is also sounding a warning note. While France have been the standout team so far, he believes they are "beatable." He anticipates a "huge test" for Deschamps' squad if they face Spain in the semi-finals – a repeat of the Euro 2024 semi-final that Spain won 2-1. With their ability to secure results down to the wire, demonstrated by that injury-time winner against Portugal in the last 16, Spain look like a team on a mission.
Elizabeth Conway, a BBC Sport journalist, has been analysing Spain's strengths and highlights their "disciplined, well-structured system" as key to their success. Despite Lamine Yamal not yet hitting top form, Spain's defensive solidity – marshalled by Pau Cubarsi and Aymeric Laporte in the centre – has been instrumental in keeping opponents at bay. Rodri and Pedri's midfield mastery, controlling possession and tempo, combined with effective use of width, creates a constant threat. And let's not forget the psychological edge: Spain have beaten France in their last two encounters.
John Murray, BBC Radio 5 Live senior commentator, acknowledges that France are "the most exciting team to watch" – playing the "most attractive football." But he cautions that history suggests such teams don't always go on to lift the trophy. The tournament has already seen its fair share of upsets, proving that no outcome is predetermined and even the strongest contenders can stumble under pressure.