France, Spain Set Up 1 Semi-Final Clash as Pulisic Faces USMNT Questions

Q: After dismantling France, is Spain's path to the World Cup trophy now unstoppable?

No. Spain look like the strongest team left, but “unstoppable” is too strong with one elite opponent still standing in the final. Their 2-0 semi-final win over France was a major statement. Spain controlled midfield through Rodri and company, shut down Kylian Mbappé, and did not allow France a shot on target. Goals from Mikel Oyarzabal and Pedro Porro underlined how complete the performance was. Against a France side that had been widely rated among the tournament’s best, Spain were described as imperious and near-perfect. That said, the World Cup is decided by one last match, not by a semi-final. Spain will still have to beat either England or Argentina, both capable of punishing even small mistakes. England have major attacking threats in Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane, while Argentina still have Lionel Messi, who is tied with Mbappé on eight goals. A final can turn on one moment, one set piece, or one defensive lapse. Spain’s case is strong because this is not a one-off result. They won their group, beat Portugal, Belgium and now France, and have combined defensive discipline with control and depth. They have conceded very little and look tactically flexible as well as technically superior. So Spain are deserved favorites, and perhaps the most convincing side in the tournament. But with one game left against another world-class finalist, the trophy is not inevitable.

1 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Jul 15

France and Spain headline the latest Daily Cup episode with a detailed preview of their World Cup semi-final, the tournament’s biggest remaining matchup.
Spain’s defense is framed as the key obstacle, while France’s hopes hinge on whether Kylian Mbappe can drive Les Bleus to a third straight World Cup final.
Christian Pulisic’s future with the USMNT also comes under scrutiny after an injury-hit tournament and mounting outside criticism of the U.S. captain.
The episode rounds out with guidance for fans whose teams were eliminated, pointing them toward new sides to back as the tournament nears its finish.