Die Story der Halbfinale wird von Danny Olmo erzählt, der den Besten der Welt auf die Bank schlägt und den Fury zum Gold führt.

DANI OLMO led the charge in Spain’s semifinal victory, delivering a performance so masterful it evoked comparisons to the legendary Andrés Iniesta. The match saw France start with a goal from Mbappé, and defender Pedro Porro seal the win, but it was Olmo who shaped the narrative. “Ah, that moment with Iniesta,” exclaimed football fans worldwide after Spain’s triumphant run, marveling at how the 28-year-old reminded them of Barcelona’s former genius. The moment captured by a photojournalist, Olmo dancing a waltz with the ball in a tight French defensive circle, surrounded by Dembélé, Balerdi, Tchouameni, and Rabiot, became iconic. Was he felled by one of the French defenders, falling to his back before passing? If so, the memory remains elusive, yet statistics tell another story. Olmo completed nearly perfect pass accuracy, delivering 29 accurate passes in 30 attempts. His dribbling stats were equally impressive: ten successful take-ons and eight times breaking through defenses, all while maintaining possession. The internet quickly drew parallels to the iconic image of Iniesta, who once mesmerized a group of Italian defenders during the 2012 European Championship. That moment, where Italy’s defense hesitated in awe of Iniesta’s skill, ended in a 4-0 Spanish victory. Today, the scene repeated itself, though this time, the stars were Olmo and his teammates. While Chiellini and his compatriots looked like a pack of wolves ready to tear apart their prey, they hesitated, unwilling to disrupt the rare technical brilliance unfolding before them. Spain has been on a roll, building one of the most fruitful cycles in its national team history. Under the guidance of Luis Aragonés and Vicente del Bosque, the squad won two European Championships and the 2010 World Cup in South Africa within four years. Now, under new coach Luis de la Fuente, the team continues its ascent. This year, La Roja claimed the UEFA Nations League title, and just a year later, they secured a place in the Euro 2024 final. With the World Cup knockout stage looming, expectations are high that they will add a third major trophy to their collection. The current generation of Spanish players has evolved from the era dominated by Barcelona’s midfield trio, Iniesta, Xavi, and Busquets. Today, Rodri stands at the helm, combining defensive solidity with tactical intelligence. At the heart of the team, Pedri has emerged as a key figure, playing alongside Olmo in the early stages of the tournament. During the group phase, Pedri started as a substitute, earning just nine minutes before becoming a regular starter. He played crucial roles against Saudi Arabia and Uruguay, showcasing his potential. De la Fuente arrived in the United States this summer with a clear vision, but his approach shifted as the tournament progressed. Pedri, once considered his best player, now finds himself overshadowed by Olmo, whose performances have been nothing short of stellar. After a modest debut with Dynamo Kyiv, where he regularly spoke of his experiences in superlatives, Olmo entered the competition as the 12th player in De la Fuente’s lineup. Initially limited to brief appearances, he soon proved his worth, scoring in the opening game against Saudi Arabia and contributing significantly in the clash with Uruguay. As the team moved into the knockout stage, Olmo seized his opportunity, donning the captain’s jersey and refusing to yield to competition. Meanwhile, Pedri, the backup, found himself relegated to the bench. How does Olmo play? Much like the displays he delivered during Euro 2024, where he had to find ways to break through the starting XI and claim his minutes. Olmo is the midfielder who attacks immediately, effortlessly escaping pressure, seizing territory, and shifting the game onto the opponent’s half. Though not the fastest nor the most explosive, his precision and composure make him a formidable force.