The World Cup semifinal match between France and Spain is set to take place on Tuesday at the home of the NFL‘s Dallas Cowboys. Both national teams have maintained an unbeaten record throughout the current tournament, with neither having trailed in any of their matches so far.
France, entering the tournament as FIFA‘s top-ranked team, has demonstrated a strong offensive performance, outscoring opponents 14-2. Star striker Kylian Mbappé, the 2022 Golden Boot winner, has scored eight goals, matching Lionel Messi for the scoring lead in this tournament. Mbappé has goals in his World Cup matches, including one in the 2018 victory against Croatia.
France midfielder Adrien Rabiot expressed the team’s confidence, stating, “We are confident, of course, with the course we have done so far, and we have to be, but always with this humility that has characterized us since the beginning of the competition.”
Spain’s Journey to the Semifinals
Spain, featuring teenage player Lamine Yamal, has also not trailed in the tournament. Their journey includes a goal difference against opponents since an initial scoreless draw against Cape Verde in group play. Spain’s goalkeeper, Unai Simón, set a World Cup record by not conceding a goal for 650 minutes until Belgium scored in the 41st minute of their quarterfinal game.
Mikel Merino has been a key player for Spain, scoring decisive goals as a second-half substitute in their last two matches. He scored in the 88th minute for a 2-1 win over Belgium on Friday, and a goal in the first minute of second-half stoppage time secured a 1-0 victory against Portugal in the round of 16.
Yamal, who celebrated his birthday recently, has been part of two semifinal wins for Spain over France in other competitions. He scored in a 2-1 victory during the 2024 European Championship semifinals and was part of a 5-4 win in Nations League play last year. Yamal commented on their previous encounters, stating, “I believe if France has to fear anyone, it should be us, in my opinion. We were the ones that knocked them out before.”
Jules Koundé, a defender for France and also a player for Barcelona alongside Yamal, viewed these comments as a sign of confidence from Yamal. Yamal has one goal in this World Cup and has put 10 shots on target, despite dealing with a left hamstring issue that caused him to miss the final weeks of the season for his club.
Spain midfielder Alex Baena noted the team’s improvement throughout the tournament, indicating that increased practice and games have helped the team find its rhythm.
Historical Context and Upcoming Matches
This semifinal marks only the second time France and Spain have met in a World Cup match. Their sole previous encounter was in the round of 16 at the 2006 tournament in Germany, where France secured a 3-1 victory. Both teams have since won the World Cup, with Spain claiming its only title in 2010 and France winning its second in 2018.
This tournament is the first World Cup since 1990 where all four semifinal teams are former champions. The other semifinal match will feature Argentina, led by Messi and the defending champions, against England on Wednesday in Atlanta.
France is making its seventh semifinal appearance in the World Cup. Spain’s previous semifinal appearances were in 1950 and 2010. The championship match is scheduled for Sunday at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, with a third-place game taking place on Saturday in Miami Gardens, Florida.
AT&T Stadium in North Texas is hosting its ninth game of the tournament, having previously hosted significant sporting events. During this tournament, Messi scored three goals in Argentina’s group games, including two in a 2-0 win over Austria on June 22, and another goal against Jordan on June 27. Cristiano Ronaldo concluded his sixth World Cup appearance in Portugal’s 1-0 loss to Spain on July 6.
Combined XI for the Semifinalists
A combined best XI for the France versus Spain match, based on player performance in the tournament, features a 4-2-3-1 formation. The goalkeeper position is given to Mike Maignan of France, who has conceded only two goals, slightly favored over Spain’s Unai Simón.
The defense includes Jules Koundé at right-back, chosen for his stability and defensive capabilities. The center-back pairing consists of France’s Dayot Upamecano and William Saliba, who have both shown strong performances. At left-back, Marc Cucurella of Spain is selected for his consistent play.
In midfield, Rodri of Spain is chosen as the right central midfielder, recognized for his role as a composer for his team. Pedri, also from Spain, fills the left central midfield spot due to his technical skill. Rabiot, despite his strong work rate for France, is noted for his contributions in midfield.
The attacking lineup features Yamal as the right winger, acknowledged as one of the best players globally at his age. Michael Olise of France is selected as the central attacking midfielder, having made a significant impact with five assists in the tournament. Ousmane Dembélé, a Ballon d’Or winner, is placed at left winger, having scored five goals in the tournament. The striker position is held by Mbappé, who has eight goals in the tournament.
The final combined XI is: GK: Mike Maignan; RB: Jules Koundé; CB: Dayot Upamecano; CB: William Saliba; LB: Marc Cucurella; CM: Rodri; CM: Pedri; RW: Lamine Yamal; CAM: Michael Olise; LW: Ousmane Dembélé; ST: Kylian Mbappé.
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Source: apnews.com
