France and Spain are set to meet in a World Cup semi-final match in Dallas on Tuesday, a fixture that brings with it a history of recent encounters between the two European football powerhouses. The upcoming game offers France a chance for what some players are calling revenge, following their exit at the hands of Spain in the Euro 2024 semi-final.
Midfielder Warren Zaïre-Emery expressed his team’s readiness for the challenge, stating, “We have a different team, to my mind. We are ready. We want to win against Spain and get our revenge for the Euros.” He emphasised the need for focus in the semi-final encounter. Zaïre-Emery made his major tournament debut in France’s quarter-final victory against Morocco.
Didier Deschamps, the France coach, however, downplayed the idea of revenge, focusing instead on the present match. He acknowledged past defeats, including the Euro 2024 encounter and a 5-4 loss in a Nations League semi-final last June, but maintained that the past is in the past. Deschamps stated, “There is no lesson to be learned. It will be a battle of wills. There’s no revenge, the past is in the past. I’m focused on tomorrow’s match. If it motivates the players, all the better. I don’t want to diminish the importance of those two games but this is a World Cup semi-final.”
Deschamps has also labelled Spain as the favourites for the tie, an assessment he reiterated. He noted that Spain has confirmed their status as favourites since their initial game against Cape Verde. He anticipates a spectacular game between two teams with strong offensive capabilities, while also acknowledging both teams’ defensive strengths.
Team preparations and player availability
France may see one change to their starting lineup from the match against Morocco. Aurélien Tchouaméni could be drafted in for Manu Koné if the Real Madrid player is deemed fit after recovering from a muscle injury. Tchouaméni has missed the last two games but is now available for selection.
Concerns about Kylian Mbappé, who sustained an ankle knock against Morocco and sat out part of Monday’s training, have been allayed. Deschamps confirmed that Mbappé trained and is allowed to participate in drills for a limited time.
Spain, the reigning European champions, are making only their second appearance in a World Cup semi-final. They are considered by some to be uniquely equipped to challenge France, given their distinctive style of play that prioritises ball possession. Their average possession share in the tournament is unmatched, and they have surpassed 1,000 passes in the ‘end zone’ with high accuracy.
Despite their strong possession statistics, Spain‘s creative edge has been seen in flashes during the tournament. Players like Lamine Yamal have been quiet, and Nico Williams has been limited by injury. Mikel Oyarzabal‘s four goals have come against less formidable opposition.
In contrast, France‘s creative output has been significant, ranking as the tournament’s second-highest scorers with the most shots on target and the greatest expected-goals value. Kylian Mbappé is tied as a leading scorer in the Golden Boot race. France also boasts a variety of goal scorers, demonstrating their diverse attacking talent.
The midfield battle is expected to be a key area. Spain‘s midfield, featuring Rodri and Pedri, along with Dani Olmo, is anticipated to outnumber France‘s two-man midfield, likely composed of Manu Koné and Adrien Rabiot. Rodri‘s ability to carry the ball upfield to players like Lamine Yamal, who leads in shot-ending carries among forwards, highlights Spain‘s dynamic approach.
The match is scheduled for Tuesday, with live coverage beginning at 6pm ahead of an 8pm kick-off.
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Source: theguardian.com
Harry Loxley is a Senior Football Correspondent at NewsGB.org. He spent his early career reporting East Midlands football. He focuses on the Premier League, the EFL and the England national side and is known for clear, deadline-driven reporting. He holds a degree in Sports Journalism from the University of Derby and completed an NCTJ diploma. Now based in Derby, he watches non-league and runs a fan podcast. “Good football writing follows the people, not just the points.”