In the group stage, France had finished top of Group I with 9 points, but this semi-final defeat brings their run to an abrupt end. Spain, who topped Group H with 7 points, are showing impressive consistency despite some tight matches (two 0-0 draws). The head-to-head record between the two nations had been balanced: one win apiece in two meetings. This clean 2-0 only reinforces the idea that Spain have found a winning formula against Les Bleus. For prediction purposes, this match illustrates how much recent form matters — far more than the group-stage record. France will need to rediscover their attacking efficiency if they want to compete with the best nations again.