Spain will look to stop one of the most dangerous attacking teams in World Cup history when they take on France in a blockbuster semi-final on Tuesday.
The reigning European champions face Didier Deschamps’ France at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Both teams have been among the best performers at the tournament.
France have reached the last four thanks to their explosive attack, led by captain Kylian Mbappe, who has scored eight goals in six matches. He is supported by a star-studded cast that includes Michael Olise, Ousmane Dembele, Bradley Barcola and Desire Doue.
Spain, on the other hand, have impressed with their patient, possession-based football under coach Luis de la Fuente. Rather than depending on individual brilliance, they have succeeded through teamwork and control.
Midfielders Rodri, Pedri and Fabian Ruiz have dictated games with their passing, while teenage winger Lamine Yamal has provided the spark in attack.
Tuesday’s semi-final promises to be a fascinating clash of styles. Spain will try to keep the ball, limit France’s attacking opportunities and stop Mbappe from getting the service he thrives on. At the same time, they will look to test a French defence that has not faced many difficult moments so far.
Spain will also take confidence from their recent record against France. They beat them 5-4 in the UEFA Nations League last year and followed it up with a 2-1 victory in the Euro 2024 semi-final.
Yamal, who turned 19 just a day before the match, insists Spain have nothing to fear.
“Both teams are among the best in the world, but we are not afraid,” Yamal said after Spain’s 2-1 quarter-final win over Belgium.
“They could reach a third straight World Cup final, or we could beat them for the third time in a row. We’ll see what happens.”
Spain coach Luis de la Fuente shared the same confidence while also praising France.
“They are in great form and they play differently from us,” De la Fuente said. “We respect them, but we believe we can beat any team. We know how dangerous they are, but we’re also the only team to have beaten them in two semi-finals.”
France, meanwhile, will back their powerful attack to break down a disciplined Spanish defence that only conceded its first goal of the tournament in the quarter-final against Belgium.
There is also extra motivation within the French camp. The team is aiming to win its second World Cup in three tournaments before Deschamps steps down as coach after the competition.
By reaching the semi-finals, France have become only the third country after Germany and Brazil to make it to three consecutive World Cup semi-finals.
Deschamps, however, prefers to keep the focus on his players.
“I suppose having very good players helps,” he joked when asked about France’s success. “But maybe I’m not doing my job too badly either.”
He added that the close bond within the squad has been a major reason behind their consistency.
“It’s a human journey. I chose the players, but spending every day together is very important. I’m happy personally, and I’m happy to see them enjoying themselves.”
That strong relationship was evident when Mbappe celebrated his goal against Sweden by running to hug Deschamps, who had recently returned to the team after travelling home following the death of his mother.
“It is part of this team’s DNA to stand together and support our coach, no matter what,” Mbappe said.
