Spain Eyes France Upset in World Cup Semi-Final After 2-1 Belgium Win
Updated
Updated · The Guardian · Jul 11
Spain Eyes France Upset in World Cup Semi-Final After 2-1 Belgium Win
3 articles · Updated · The Guardian · Jul 11
Summary
Luis de la Fuente said Spain have “very high expectations” of beating France in Tuesday’s World Cup semi-final in Dallas after a 2-1 quarter-final victory over Belgium.
Fabian Ruiz and substitute Mikel Merino scored against Belgium, reinforcing De la Fuente’s claim that Spain’s depth—not just its starters—can decide knockout games.
Spain will draw confidence from a 2-1 win over France in the Euro 2024 semi-finals, though De la Fuente called the matchup open against a French side in strong form for a third straight World Cup.
Execution remains Spain’s main question: Rodri completed 98 of 104 passes, but Belgium found ways to pull him out of position, while Lamine Yamal and Mikel Oyarzabal were less clinical in attack.
De la Fuente enters the semi-final unbeaten in 13 World Cup and Euros matches, and he said extending that run will require Spain to produce its best version.