Supercomputer predicts winners of Euro 2024 final and semi-finals as Spain, France, England and Netherlands prepare for crunch battles
Opta's supercomputer has predicted the winner of the two Euro 2024 semi-finals - featuring Spain, France, England and the Netherlands - as well as the final. With three games remaning, France take on Spain in the first semi-final in Munich on Tuesday, while England battle the Netherlands a day later in Dortmund.
Among the last four teams standing, La Roja are the only one to win all five games, but they needed extra time to down hosts Germany 2-1 in the quarter-finals. France, meanwhile, are yet to score from open play in five games but find themselves in the last-four after a 5-3 shootout win over Portugal following 120 goalless minutes.
England, touted as one of the pre-tournament favourites, laboured through the group stage before needing extra time to beat Slovakia (2-1) and penalties to down Switzerland (5-3) after a 1-1 draw. Last but not least, Netherlands saw off surprise quarter-finalists Turkey 2-1 in the last last-eight clash to reach their first European Championship semi-final in 20 years.
Ahead of last-four action at Euro 2024, Opta's Supercomputer (as per Metro), following 10,000 match simulations, has predicted Spain and England to set up a title clash, with La Roja having the best chances to win the competition.
It has given Spain a 53.51% chance of reaching the Euro 2024 final and a 31.72% chance of becoming champions. The corresponding numbers for the Three Lions are 51.51% and 22.58%.
France come in third, with a 46.49% chance of reaching the title match and 27.61% chance of winning, while the Netherlands have a 48.49% chance of reaching the final aand 18.09% chance of going all the way.
What happened when Euro 2024 contenders Spain-France and England-Netherlands last clashed in the European Championship?
Spain have a storied rivalry with France, leading 16-13 in 36 meetings across competitions. Their last meeting at the Euros was in Euro 2012, where La Roja ran out 2-0 victors in the quarter-final, thanks to a Xabi Alonso brace.
Meanwhile, England trail the Netherlands 7-6 in their overall head-to-head record. But the Three Lions tasted success in their last Euros meeting, beating the Oranje 4-1 in the Euro 96 group game.
Current Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate was a part of that team as Alan Shearer and Teddy Sheringham braces powered the Euro 96 hosts to a resounding win. Patrick Kluivert scored the lone goal for the Oranje.