Deschamps Predicts Spectacular Spain-France Semifinal as Spain Carry 16.1% Pre-Tournament Title Odds
Updated
Updated · ESPN · Jul 13
Deschamps Predicts Spectacular Spain-France Semifinal as Spain Carry 16.1% Pre-Tournament Title Odds
3 articles · Updated · ESPN · Jul 13
Summary
Didier Deschamps said Tuesday's World Cup semifinal with Spain should be a "spectacular game," praising both teams' attacking quality while again brushing aside talk that France are favorites.
Spain entered the tournament with the strongest title projections—16.1% from Opta and +450 at DraftKings, versus France at 13.0% and +475—and Deschamps said Spain have largely justified that billing.
The numbers back the matchup's elite status: France own the best goal-differential rate at +2.3 per match and best xG differential at +1.7, while Spain have conceded just one goal in six games.
Luis de la Fuente also rejected the favorites label, saying it adds no value before a meeting he called worthy of a final.
Tuesday's 3 p.m. ET winner in Arlington advances to Sunday's final in New Jersey against either England or Argentina.