Spain colliding with France in star-studded World Cup semifinal everyone waited for
ARLINGTON, Texas — The Soccer gods owe us an apology.The match the world has been waiting to see is not the World Cup final.Instead, it is Tuesday’s semifinal beneath the roof of Dallas Stadium, where reigning European champion Spain collides with a reborn France team that has looked unstoppable throughout the tournament.For many, Spain vs.France is the real World Cup final.Sure, the winner will play in the final against either defending champion Argentina or England, but make no mistake: The tournament’s two best teams are meeting in the semifinal.And they have looked every bit like the pretournament co-favorites to lift the trophy through their first six matches.Spain arrives at the semifinal unbeaten in its past 36 matches, just one victory shy of tying Italy’s all-time record.
Luis de la Fuente’s side has conceded just one goal all tournament and has dominated possession in every match.La Roja have suffocated their opponents like an anaconda strangles its prey with a midfield orchestrated by Dani Olmo, Rodri and Pedri (or Fabián Ruiz).
They even have the tournament’s greatest super sub in Mikel Merino, who became the first substitute in World Cup history to score back-to-back game-winning goals in the knockout stage.But France has been just as terrifying.Didier Deschamps’ squad has scored 16 goals in six matches, second only to Argentina, and won five of its six games by two or more goals.Les Bleus are playing in their third consecutive World Cup semifinal and a victory Tuesday might cement them as the greatest international dynasty we have ever seen.France’s attack is an avalanche of three of the best goal scorers in the world in Kylian Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé and Michael Olise.Their showdown Tuesday is an irresistible clash of styles.Spain wants the ball.
France just wants an opportunity.“We need to try and impose our game,” said Spanish manager Luis de la Fuente.“We have completely different playing styles.
We have to be careful ...