France and Spain prepare for semifinal clash
France and Spain are set to meet in a World Cup semifinal match on Tuesday at the home of the NFL’s Dallas Cowboys. Both teams have maintained undefeated records throughout the tournament, never trailing in any of their matches. The winner will advance to the final.
Kylian Mbappé, who won the Golden Boot in 2022, leads France’s scoring with eight goals in this tournament, matching Lionel Messi’s current scoring lead. Mbappé has scored 20 goals in 20 World Cup matches. France, ranked as FIFA’s top team entering the tournament, has outscored its opponents 14-2. Midfielder Adrien Rabiot noted the team’s confidence and humility.
For Spain, Lamine Yamal, who turned 19 on Monday, has been a key player. He has been part of two previous semifinal victories for Spain against France and contributing to a 5-4 win in Nations League play last year. Yamal expressed his excitement for the match, calling it the most important game he will play. Spain’s coach has called Spain the favorites for the tie, an assessment he reiterated.
Team form and player updates
Spain has demonstrated strong form, outscoring opponents 10-1 since a scoreless draw against Cape Verde in group play. Goalkeeper Unai Simón set a World Cup record by not conceding a goal for 650 minutes until Belgium scored in their quarterfinal match. Substitute Mikel Merino has scored decisive late goals in Spain’s last two games, including an 88th-minute goal against Belgium in a 2-1 victory and a goal in the first minute of second-half stoppage time against Portugal for a 1-0 win.
France’s coach, Didier Deschamps, confirmed that Kylian Mbappé is physically fit despite exiting the quarterfinal win against Morocco in the 77th minute after scoring. Mbappé also participated in training, though for a shorter duration. Deschamps may consider bringing Aurélien Tchouaméni back into the lineup if the Real Madrid player is deemed fit after a muscle injury, as Tchouaméni has missed the last two games but is now available for selection.
France midfielder Warren Zaïre-Emery emphasized the team’s readiness and desire to win against Spain, 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 also highlighted the unity of the French team, composed of players from diverse backgrounds. Defender Jules Koundé, who plays for Barcelona with Yamal, acknowledged Yamal’s confidence.
Historical context and upcoming matches
This tournament marks the first time since 1990 that all four semifinal teams are former champions. The other semifinal match will feature Argentina, led by Lionel Messi, against England on Wednesday in Atlanta. 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.
The only previous World Cup encounter between France and Spain was in 2006, where France secured a 3-1 victory in a round of 16 game. Both nations have won the World Cup since that meeting, with Spain claiming its only title in 2010 and France winning its second in 2018. France is aiming to become one of only three teams to reach three consecutive World Cup finals, a feat achieved by five-time champion Brazil and four-time winner Germany.
This will be France’s seventh semifinal appearance and its fifth in the last eight World Cups. Spain’s previous semifinal appearances were in 1950 and 2010, the latter leading to their title win. AT&T Stadium in North Texas will host its ninth tournament game with this semifinal match.
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Source: apnews.com
Mason Reed
Sports reporter covering football, basketball and international competitions.