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 past encounters. This upcoming game provides France with an opportunity to address their previous exit in the Euro 2024 semi-final against Spain.
French midfielder Warren Zaïre-Emery expressed his team’s readiness for the match, 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 what promises to be a significant semi-final clash.
Zaïre-Emery, who made his major tournament debut in France’s quarter-final victory over Morocco, also commented on the diverse backgrounds within the French squad. He highlighted the unity of the group, noting that players from various origins contribute to the team’s identity and happiness.
Despite the sentiment of revenge from some players, France coach Didier Deschamps has downplayed this aspect. He views the upcoming match as a new challenge, separate from past results, including the Euro 2024 encounter and a 5-4 defeat in a Nations League semi-final last June. 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.”
Deschamps has consistently labelled Spain as the favourites for the tie. He reiterated this assessment, stating, “I confirm it. Forget about the first game against Cape Verde. Ever since then Spain have confirmed that they are the favourites.” He acknowledged the potential for a spectacular game between two teams known for their offensive quality, while also noting both coaches’ understanding of defensive strategies.
Regarding team selection, Deschamps may consider one change to the lineup that played against Morocco. Aurélien Tchouaméni could potentially replace 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 did not complete a recent training session, were also addressed. Deschamps confirmed that Mbappé trained and is allowed to participate in drills, allaying fears about his availability for the semi-final.
This World Cup semi-final features four top-ranked teams, all of whom are previous champions. The match between France and Spain marks a significant moment in the tournament, with France aiming to reach their third consecutive World Cup final, a feat previously achieved by Germany and Brazil. Spain, the current European champions, are making only their second appearance in the last four of the World Cup.
The encounter is expected to be a contest between two distinct styles of play. France, known for their potent attacking force led by Kylian Mbappé, Ousmane Dembele, Michael Olise, and Desire Doue, are the tournament’s second-highest scorers. They have recorded the most shots on target and the highest expected-goals value. Mbappé is currently tied for the leading scorer in the Golden Boot race.
Spain, on the other hand, relies on a strategy of control and possession. Their style aims to starve opposition teams of the ball, maintaining an unmatched average possession share in the tournament. This patient build-up serves a dual purpose: enabling them to create opportunities in the final third, where they are the only nation to surpass 1,000 passes in the ‘end zone’ with high accuracy, and bolstering their defensive record by limiting opponent possession.
The Spanish approach, led by players like Rodri and Lamine Yamal, allows for quicker vertical transitions, enabling dangerous wingers to isolate defenders. Rodri and Pedri are key in midfield, setting the tempo and acting as effective final-third passers, supported by Dani Olmo. Rodri also plays a crucial role in carrying the ball upfield to Lamine Yamal, who has the most shot-ending carries among forwards.
The tactical battle in midfield is expected to be a key area, with Spain likely to outnumber France‘s two-man midfield, potentially consisting of Manu Kone and Adrien Rabiot. While France‘s attacking talent is undeniable, Spain‘s coordinated counter-press and positional intelligence will be vital in managing the threat posed by the French front four.
Despite Spain‘s tactical strengths, France enters the semi-final with significant momentum. The match is scheduled for Tuesday.
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Source: theguardian.com
As NewsGB's Senior Football Correspondent, Jack Ferndale reports on the Premier League, the EFL and the England national side for readers across the country. He covered north-east football for a regional daily. He holds a degree in Sports Journalism from the University of Sunderland and completed an NCTJ diploma. Jack lives in Sunderland, where he watches lower-league football home and away. “The story is in the squad, not just the starting eleven.”
