Deschamps predicts 'spectacular' France v Spain semi-final

Here is the latest breaking news from around the world: Deschamps predicts 'spectacular' France v Spain semi-finalImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Didier Deschamps' France (2) and Luis de la Fuente's Spain (1) have won the World Cup three times between themByNeil JohnstonBBC Sport journalist in DallasPublished1 hour agoFrance boss Didier Deschamps is predicting a "spectacular" semi-final when his exciting side take on Spain in a heavyweight World Cup showdown in Dallas on Tuesday. Spain beat France in the semi-finals of Euro 2024 on their way to being crowned European champions before defeating Les Bleus in a nine-goal last-four thriller in the Nations League last year. "The past is in the past," said Deschamps, who is stepping down at the end of the tournament after 14 years in charge.

"They did win in the past but I am looking forward to tomorrow. "We are now at another level. We want to be in the final.

The Details

"Two-time world champions France will become only the third country to reach three straight World Cup finals if they win in Texas (kick-off 20:00 BST). West Germany in 1982, 1986 and 1990, and Brazil in 1994, 1998 and 2002 are the only countries to manage the feat so far. Deschamps, who captained France to the world title in 1998, managed them to World Cup glory in 2018 before they were beaten on penalties by Argentina in the 2022 final in Qatar.

He said Spain will start the semi-final as favourites. "They have only conceded only one goal in six games," added Deschamps. "We know this could be a most spectacular game.

Luis and myself we know how to defend and with the quality of two teams offensively, we can think it's going to be a spectacular game. "Later, De la Fuente played down Deschamps' claim that Spain are favourites. "It doesn't mean anything," he said.

What Experts Say

"We are two great national teams facing one another. "Whether we are favourites or not doesn't mean further pressure for us. We have that pressure anyway because we want to do well for our country.

"Big stars and old rivals - what to expect in semi-finals Published1 day agoFrance cruise into semi-finals - could this be the best Les Bleus ever? Published4 days ago Figure caption, Spain into semi-finals at expense of Belgium after Merino's late winner'You can't win without suffering'France have scored 16 times in six games at this tournament, with Kylian Mbappe getting eight of those and assisting a further three. France captain Mbappe will move above Argentina's Lionel Messi, who also has eight goals, in the race for the Golden Boot if he scores against Spain.

"They have great players but so do we," added De la Fuente on Monday. "Of course we will have to think about these players , win our battles, be on the front foot and think about our style. "Tomorrow will be an extremely demanding match.

The story has become one of the most prominent items on the global agenda.