World Cup semifinalists prepare for showdown
France and Spain, two teams that have not trailed at all in this year’s World Cup, are set to face each other in a semifinal match on Tuesday. The game will take place at the home of the NFL‘s Dallas Cowboys, marking one of two powerhouse semifinal matches in the tournament. Both nations are making their 17th appearance in the World Cup and have only met once before on this stage.
France, ranked as FIFA‘s top team entering the tournament, has outscored its opponents by a margin of 14-2. Kylian Mbappé, the 2022 Golden Boot winner, has scored eight goals in this tournament, matching Lionel Messi for the scoring lead. Mbappé‘s career total now stands at 20 goals in 20 World Cup matches, including a goal in the 2018 final victory over Croatia. French midfielder Adrien Rabiot noted the team’s confidence, tempered with humility, has been a characteristic since the competition began. Coach Didier Deschamps confirmed Mbappé is physically well after being substituted in the 77th minute of their quarterfinal win against Morocco, where he scored a goal.
Spain has also demonstrated strong form, outscoring opponents 10-1 since a goalless draw against Cape Verde in the group stage. Goalkeeper Unai Simón maintained a World Cup record of 650 minutes without conceding a goal until Belgium scored in the 41st minute of their quarterfinal game. Spanish midfielder Alex Baena mentioned that the team has improved with more games and practices, allowing them to find their rhythm after not having seen each other for an extended period.
Key players and past encounters
Spain‘s teenage sensation, Lamine Yamal, who celebrated his 19th birthday on Monday, has previously been part of two semifinal victories against France. He scored in a 2-1 win during the 2024 European Championship semifinals and was also part of Spain‘s 5-4 victory in Nations League play last year. Yamal, who has one goal and 10 shots on target in this World Cup, expressed his excitement for the upcoming match, calling it the most important game he will play.
Jules Koundé, a defender for France and also a player for Barcelona alongside Yamal, acknowledged Yamal‘s confidence. Koundé viewed Yamal‘s earlier comments as additional motivation for the young player. Mikel Merino has been a decisive substitute for Spain, scoring late goals in their last two matches, including an 88th-minute goal in the 2-1 win over Belgium and a goal in the first minute of second-half stoppage time for a 1-0 victory against Portugal in the round of 16.
This World Cup marks the first time since 1990 that all four semifinal teams are former champions. The other semifinal match will feature Lionel Messi and defending champions Argentina 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 on Saturday in Miami Gardens, Florida.
Historical context and tournament trajectory
The only previous World Cup meeting between France and Spain was in the round of 16 at the 2006 tournament in Germany, where France won 3-1. Both teams have lifted the World Cup trophy since that encounter, with Spain securing its only title in 2010 and France winning its second in 2018.
France is aiming to join Brazil and Germany as the only teams to reach three consecutive World Cup finals. Brazil achieved this between 1994 and 2002, while Germany did so between 1986 and 1990. This will be France‘s seventh semifinal appearance, and their fifth in the last eight World Cups. Spain‘s only other semifinal appearances were in 1950 and 2010, the year they won the title.
The match in Dallas will be the ninth game hosted at AT&T Stadium during this tournament. The stadium has previously hosted significant sporting events, including a Super Bowl and NCAA championship games. Lionel Messi scored three goals in Argentina‘s two group games at this venue, breaking a World Cup career scoring record with his goals in a 2-0 win over Austria on June 22.
Source: apnews.com