"Top 3 best player in the world" "Ballon d'Or, we are coming" - Spain fans hail 'exceptional' star's performance in Euro 2024 SF win over France
Fans were impressed with Spain midfielder Rodri's performance in the Euro 2024 semi-final clash against France. The match ended in a 2-1 win for La Roja at the Allianz Arena in Munich on Tuesday, July 9.
France opened the scoring through Randal Kolo Muani in the ninth minute. Lamine Yamal then netted the equalizer for Spain with a curling strike in the 21st minute. Just four minutes later, Dani Olmo put the Spaniards in the lead.
Fans took to social media to appreciate Rodri's contribution to the game. While some hailed the 28-year-old Spanish defensive midfielder to be one of the best, others believed that he should win the Ballon d'Or this year.
Here are some of the reactions on X:
One fan wrote:
"Rodri is top 3 best player in the world. Currently.. (Bakini na tuzo zenu) 😀"
Another added:
"Rodri Ballon D'or, we are coming."
"Football fans needs to talk more about rodri , that man is exceptional," chimed in another fan.
One user posted:
"Ballon dor worthy season. What a player"
Another tweeted:
"Easily the uncontested ballon dor winner"
One user wrote:
"Rodri is the best DM in the world currently"
While another wrote:
"unfortunately i think rodri might actually be the best player on the planet rn"
Rodri, who made his senior debut for Spain in 2018, had a 95% passing accuracy (52/55) in the game, gave five passes into the final third, made three clearances and six recoveries.
The midfielder recorded nine goals and 14 assists in 50 matches across competitions in Manchester City's title-winning campaign last season.
Spain head coach thanks fans after Euro 2024 semi-final win over France
Spain national team head coach Luis de la Fuente thanked fans after La Roja qualified for the Euro 2024 final by defeating France. The 63-year-old said in the post-match press conference:
"Thank you, thank you and thank you, fans."
"I am proud that the people of my country are hooked on the triumphs of their team, on these players, and that they take to the streets together to celebrate," added Luis de la Fuente.
With the Euro 2024 semi-final win, Luis de la Fuente, who took charge in 2022, became the first coach to win six consecutive matches at a men's European Championship.
The other finalist will be decided in the second semi-final clash between England and the Netherlands at Signal Iduna Park on Wednesday, July 10.