44 nations have fallen, 4 are left standing. 100 games have been played; 4 are yet to be played. I would say ‘and 4 blockbuster matchups at that, but I always feel a bit weird about the 3rd-placed matchup. Something about having two nations compete for the ultimate consolidation prize just days after having their lifelong dreams shattered doesn’t sit quite right with me, but that’s a story for another day.
For the first time in FIFA World Cup history, we will have the four highest-ranked nations coming into the tournament facing off for a spot in the Final. As much as everyone loves an underdog story, as a neutral football fan, it does not get much better than this. Four powerhouse nations putting absolutely everything on the line to keep the dream of World Cup glory alive.
Anyway, let’s get into the first game…
FRANCE VS SPAIN
Could not have picked a better matchup in my eyes, in fact, I kind of wish this was the Final. The two favourites heading into the tournament, head-to-head in Dallas, with only one team able to come out victorious. Which team will that be? Well, that is anyone’s guess. The bookies currently have France as favourites, so let’s look at them first.
The French World Cup cruise
It is not often you say this in a World Cup, but it feels like France have cruised through the tournament to date. They are a perfect 6/6. 6 wins in 6 games, no extra time played, not a single second spent trailing. They are yet to exit first gear. And that is what excites me the most: do they have a whole other level they can go to?
I think yes. I was blessed enough to actually watch their 3-0 victory over Sweden in person, and the talent they had upfront was truly mesmerising. Maybe it’s because I am a Chelsea fan and have spent the past season watching the likes of Alejandro Garnacho and Liam Delap, but WOW, are these French forwards talented. Mbappe, Olise, Dembele, and Doue/Barcola sounded terrifying on paper, and they have only further proven why they should be feared. This talent up front is what makes them tournament favourites, as it always feels like only a matter of time until they find the back of the net.
Although their star forwards will take most of the limelight, the rest of the French side is not to be overlooked. They are yet to concede in the knockout rounds; in fact, they have not really looked like conceding. Now, Spain is obviously a step up in competition, but even so, the French defence will enter the game with some confidence.
Spain’s crazy unbeaten streak
France just broke Morocco’s insane 34-game unbeaten streak, and they now face a Spanish side that is 36 games unbeaten. This dates back to March 2023, and obviously includes their successful 2024 Euros campaign.
Why did I start by referencing their impressive unbeaten streak? Well, to emphasise that they are a team that knows how to win. This group is accustomed to winning, and I think we have seen that mentality of knowing how to get the job done throughout this tournament. Their campaign has been far from flashy, starting with a 0-0 draw vs Cabo Verde and more recently scraping through with back-to-back late Merino winners.
Although it may sound like Spain has just been scraping through, you could argue they have been in cruise control. Spain, like France, is yet to trail at any stage in this World Cup, so maybe they too have another level they can reach.
The keys to victory
Although we can look at their past head-to-heads, as these two nations definitely have some recent history, I want to look at this game purely based on what I have seen so far this tournament.
The possession battle will be interesting. I expect it to be pretty close to 50/50, with both teams happy to defend somewhat conservatively, up until that first goal at least. As always, the first goal will be crucial. Like I mentioned above, neither side has trailed this tournament yet, so as long as we get a goal in this game, it will be a first for someone.
This World Cup has been very superstar-driven, and I can’t see that changing this game. The difference is, I would argue, that France has 3 attacking superstars in Mbappe, Olise, and Dembele, whereas Spain has just the 1 in Yamal. Not to discredit any of the other players, but these are the guys who can single-handedly change a game.
The French boys have been firing. Mbappe leads the way with 8 goals and 3 assists, Dembele is not far behind with 5 goals and 2 assists, and finally, Olise has 5 assists but is somehow yet to score. These boys have been getting the job done, and I can’t see them slowing down.
Yamal, on the other hand, has had a much quieter campaign on the scoresheet. Entering the tournament fresh off an injury, he has yet to fully hit his straps, with just one goal and no assists to his name. But the stats don’t always tell the full story. I watched him closely against Belgium, and I thought he was the best player on the pitch. Sure, at times he lacked that quality final product, but his skill with the ball at his feet is undeniable. Whoever lines up as left back for France definitley has a big task on their hands.
Who will advance?
I am very much torn.
My head says France, but my heart thinks an upset may be on the cards and Spain can get the job done. I am going to go with my head, though, and say France advances. For me, the deciding factor is their attacking firepower I have harped on about. In a game I expect to be very tight, I just think France has a greater chance of producing a match-winning, game-deciding moment.
My Score Prediction
Well, I may as well have a bit of fun and try to pull off a crazy prediction.
Give me France to win 2-1 in extra time.
Yamal to score first, Olise to set up Mbappe to draw level, and then an Mbappe penalty in extra time to win it. Lock it in.
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