Sure, an Argentina-England Geopolitics World Cup semi-final has a lot going for it. It’ll be 40 years since the Hand of God and, somehow, the first meeting between the two teams since an incredibly rare event: a memorable friendly, with Michael Owen’s late headers setting up a 3-2 victory in Geneva 21 years ago. In Atlanta, England supporters will finally have the chance to send some choice words in the direction of Lionel Messi. But we all know that the real show – the final in spirit, the game that’ll be far easier on the eye – is the other one: Les Bleus against La Roja.
- France's magical front four have scored 16 goals in six games, powering their dazzling tournament form.
- Spain's defensive solidity, with Unai Simón conceding only once, turned a goalless draw into a defensive masterclass.
- Didier Deschamps named Spain favourites, ironically adding pressure to Luis de la Fuente and his team.
- Spain's recent success, Euro 2024 semi winners and that 5-4 Nations League thriller, hints at a cautious, high stakes tactical battle.
- The winner may carry the trophy home, while losers ponder souvenirs after Erling Haaland's raccoon tale; Kylian Mbappé and Rodri want shinier.
The French have dazzled since strolling out for the second half of their tournament opener against Senegal, so much so that it’s Spain – the sublime European champions, the nation of Lamine Yamal and the sensation that is his little brother – who enter as the relatively boring side, keeping it tight at the back before Mikel Merino is awoken from his slumber and sent on to settle things once and for all. France have their magical front four (take your pick between Désiré Doué and Bradley Barcola), scoring 16 goals in six games; Unai Simón has conceded just once for Spain. Hindsight has turned that goalless draw against Cape Verde into a defensive masterclass.
Even with his side operating at another level, Didier Deschamps has called the Spaniards favourites. “I don’t want to add extra pressure to Luis [de la Fuente] and [his] team,” tooted the France head coach as he added extra pressure to Luis de la Fuente and his team. “He knows very well that people are expecting greatly of Spain.” To be fair to Deschamps, it adds up: Spain were the victors in their Euro 2024 semi-final and triumphed 5-4 in an outrageous Nations League showdown last year. A GWC semi will surely invite more restraint from both sides, a touch of hesitancy when breaking forward, removing the prospect of another goal-laden humdinger, right? We sorely hope not.
It does feel as if the winner of this one will take the trophy, carrying the golden prize down the aircraft stairs in a week’s time. But even the losers must think carefully about what they plan to present to the snappers when they disembark on home soil now that Erling Haaland has set a precedent. Returning to Norway after a quarter-final exit, Haaland was pictured carrying his bags and, um, a taxidermied raccoon. As you do. Kylian Mbappé and Rodri will probably hope for something a bit shinier.
