The eyes of the footballing world turn to Dallas on Tuesday, where France and Spain will renew one of the most tantalising international rivalries. A place in the World Cup final is at stake. For 2018 champions France, it is a chance to reach a third successive final. For 2010 winners Spain, victory would make them only the fourth team to hold both world and European crowns at the same time.
Both squads are bursting with talent, but all eyes will be on Kylian Mbappe and Lamine Yamal. Mbappe’s global breakthrough came at the 2018 World Cup, when his quickfire double helped France beat Lionel Messi’s Argentina. Eight years on, teenage sensation Yamal is looking to replicate that feat on the biggest stage after a quiet debut tournament so far.
“France and Spain meet in World Cup semi-final, with Kylian Mbappe and Lamine Yamal set for a thrilling duel.”
Mbappe heads into the match as arguably the best player in the world. He scored 42 goals in 44 games for Real Madrid last season, finishing as top scorer in both La Liga and the Champions League. He leads the Golden Boot race with eight goals in six games and has made more goal contributions (11) than any other player. With 19 World Cup goals, only Messi (20) has more. “For me it’s just ambition and confidence,” Olivier Giroud told BBC Match of the Day. “He knows where he wants to go. He is a leader.” French football journalist Luke Entwistle added: “He’s carried this team through three successive World Cups.” Mbappe is obsessed with equalling Pele’s record of three World Cup triumphs.
Yet Yamal has already beaten Mbappe in five consecutive knockout matches for club and country. Spain have not lost a competitive match in 36 games, and their efficient style – labelled “boring” by some – has proved devastating. The Barcelona prodigy has been quick to remind everyone that if France should fear anyone, it’s Spain.
SunSport’s tactics guru Dean Scoggins believes Spain must get Yamal isolated 1v1 against Luka Digne, the relative weak link in France’s defence. De la Fuente, who refuses to put square pegs in round holes, prefers his full-backs to “go long”, stretching the pitch to create “double width”. It is the first game of the tournament where France cannot simply blow their opponents away. The tactical battle on the pitch is going to be absolutely fascinating to watch.
