Battle For Ages in FIFA World Cup Semifinals Tonight

Arlington: France’s exciting attack, led by Kylian Mbappe, face a technically accomplished Spanish team in the first semi-final of the World Cup early at midnight on Wednesday (12:30 kick-off).

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

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

Many observers believe this year’s Spain team has the quality to win the tournament and that they have stepped up since the goalless draw against Cape Verde for the first time; But first they need to stop France’s star-studded front line, led by Mbappe.

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

France’s forward line-up also includes Ballon D’Or winner Ousmane Dembele and English-born Michael Olise, whose pace and dribbling disrupt defenses and give Mbappe space to work his magic.

Behind them, France can look to Paris Saint-Germain pair Bradley Barcola and Desire Doue, who can both score goals.

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

France coach Didier Deschamps, who increased France’s motivation, is leaving after this tournament after a 14-year tenure.

Already part of the elite club that has won the World Cup as a player and coach, Deschamps is eager to claim a third title.

However, Deschamps argues that France, who have lost to Spain in their last two matches, will be the underdog on Tuesday.

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

“Since then Spain have confirmed that they are favourites.

Upper Hand

In Lamine Yamal, who celebrated turning 19 by purchasing a chunky new necklace that he showed off to the media on Monday, Spain has the player to arguably replace Messi and the much younger Mbappe as football’s next superstar.

Yamal inspired Spain to victory at Euro 2024 but made his first World Cup appearance while recovering from a hamstring injury.

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

Genç pointed out that Spain has the advantage by beating France 2-1 in the Euro 2024 semi-final and 2-1 in the high-scoring Nations League semi-final in 2025, 5-4.

Lamal raised eyebrows after Spain beat Belgium 2-1 in last week’s quarter-finals after he was quoted as saying that France rather than Spain should be “afraid” given their recent defeat against La Roja.

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

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

Yamal said she celebrated her 19th birthday on Monday by purchasing a jewel-encrusted necklace. But the real birthday present will be taking part in Sunday’s World Cup final.

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

Spain’s run to the final was built on solid defence; The goal scored by Belgium at the SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles was the first goal conceded in the entire tournament.

Coach Luis de la Fuente brought back the possession-based style that was a trademark of previous Spain teams, meaning France had to take the ball away from them before launching their attack.