ARLINGTON (United States) (AFP) – The World Cup held its breath Monday on the eve of the first semi-final that pitches France’s fearsome attack against a technically gifted Spain team._x000D_
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France have reached the past two World Cup finals, winning in 2018 in Russia and losing to Argentina four years ago in Qatar in an epic final despite a hat-trick from Kylian Mbappe._x000D_
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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._x000D_
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Many observers believe this year’s Spain squad has the quality to win the tournament — but first they need to find a way to stop France’s star-studded frontline, led by Mbappe._x000D_
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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._x000D_
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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._x000D_
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Behind them, whether they start the game or come on as substitutes, France can call on Paris Saint-Germain pair Bradley Barcola and Desire Doue._x000D_
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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._x000D_
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Adding to France’s motivation, France coach Didier Deschamps is leaving after this tournament following 14 years in charge._x000D_
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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._x000D_
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“It is a human adventure and even though I chose the players, to be with this squad every day is very important,” he said after France comfortably beat Morocco in the quarter-finals._x000D_
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“I am very happy on a personal level and also happy to see them enjoying themselves so much.”_x000D_
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In Lamine Yamal, who turned 19 on Monday, Spain have the player who will likely succeed Messi and the far younger Mbappe as football’s next superstar._x000D_
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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._x000D_
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The Barcelona player initially looked less than his normal sparkling best, but he has improved steadily and won the player-of-the-match award in the 2-1 semi-final win against Belgium._x000D_
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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._x000D_
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“There are two possibilities — either they reach three consecutive World Cup finals, or we beat them three times in a row. We’ll see what happens,” Yamal said._x000D_
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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._x000D_
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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.
