France and Spain Set to Clash in World Cup Showdown

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France’s exciting attack led by Kylian Mbappe take on a technically accomplished Spain team in the first semi-final of the World Cup on Tuesday.

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France have reached the past two World Cup finals, winning in 2018 in Russia and losing on penalties to Argentina four years ago in Qatar in an epic final despite a hat-trick from Kylian Mbappe.

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They are aiming to win the World Cup for a third time while Spain — despite their rich footballing tradition — have lifted the famous trophy just once, in South Africa in 2010.

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Many observers believe this year’s Spain squad have the quality to win the tournament and they have picked up speed since stumbling in a goalless draw against debutants Cape Verde — but first they need to stop France’s star-studded frontline, orchestrated by Mbappe.

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The Real Madrid forward has scored eight goals to lead the Golden Boot race alongside Lionel Messi and will give Spain’s defenders a different challenge in Arlington, Texas.

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France’s roster of forwards also includes Ballon D’Or winner Ousmane Dembele and Michael Olise, the English-born forward whose pace and dribbling pull defences out of shape, allowing Mbappe the space to work his magic.

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Behind them, France can call on Paris Saint-Germain pair Bradley Barcola and Desire Doue, both capable of scoring.

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Defeat to Messi’s Argentina in the final in Doha four years ago was a bitter experience for France, and the desire for a rematch is strong — if Messi can lead his team past England in their semi-final in Atlanta on Wednesday.

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Adding to France’s motivation, France coach Didier Deschamps is leaving after this tournament following 14 years in charge.

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Already part of the elite club to have won the World Cup as a player and a coach, Deschamps would dearly love to collect a third title.

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Deschamps, though, maintains that France — beaten by Spain in their last two meetings — will be the underdogs on Tuesday.

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“Forget about the first game against Cape Verde,” Deschamps said of Spain’s campaign.

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“Ever since then Spain have confirmed that they are the favourites.

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– Upper hand –

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In Lamine Yamal, who celebrated turning 19 on Monday by buying a chunky new necklace that he showed off to the media, Spain have the player who will likely succeed Messi and the far younger Mbappe as football’s next superstar.

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Yamal inspired Spain to glory at Euro 2024 but came into his first World Cup still recovering from a hamstring injury.

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The Barcelona player looked out of form initially but has improved steadily and won the player-of-the-match award in the 2-1 quarter-final win against Belgium.

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The teenager pointed out that Spain have the upper hand on France, having beaten them 2-1 in the semi-final of Euro 2024 and in a high-scoring Nations League semi-final in 2025 that finished 5-4.

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Lamal raised eyebrows following Spain’s 2-1 quarter-final defeat of Belgium last week after being quoted as saying that France rather than Spain ought to be “afraid” given those recent defeats against La Roja.

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A relaxed-looking Yamal addressed those comments at a press conference on Monday.

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“I was asked if I was afraid of France, and I said no,” Yamal explained. “We are European champions. It’s simply football,” the teenager explained.

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Yamal said he had marked his 19th birthday on Monday by buying a jewel-encrusted necklace. The real birthday present, though, would be a place in Sunday’s World Cup final.

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“I haven’t received many gifts yet. The best gift would be a win on Tuesday and a trip to New York,” he said.

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Spain’s run to the final has been built on a solid defence — Belgium’s goal at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles was the first they have conceded in the entire tournament.

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Coach Luis de la Fuente has restored the possession-based style that was a trademark of earlier Spain teams, meaning France will have to win the ball from them before they can launch their attacks.

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