Most clinical? Least creative? Best in the air? Comparing the last four

A significant story is unfolding on the international scene. Comparing the last fourImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Will Kylian Mbappe make his third World Cup final for France? ByChris CollinsonBBC Sport statisticianPublished1 hour agoWith Argentina, England, France and Spain just two games from glory, we compare how the four semi-finalists have performed so far to get an idea of who could lift the World Cup this weekend. While all the teams have played six games, Argentina have played an hour of football more than France and Spain thanks to games going to extra time (and England half an hour more), so we've taken playing time into account to get the true picture of the statistics.

Although reigning champions Argentina have scored the most goals (17), two-time World Cup winners France have been the best side going forward overall as they've averaged the most goals, joint-most shots and highest Expected Goals per 90 minutes. The South American side have been the most clinical, converting 18% of their chances, while the opposite is true of European champions Spain. Despite taking as many shots as their semi-final opponents France (110), they have scored just 11 goals to their 16 - almost a goal per game fewer.

The Details

When taking both the number and quality of shots into account, England have been less creative than the other three sides but have still scored more than two goals per game thanks to clinical finishing from Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane. Spain have been the most solid side defensively and only conceded their first goal of the tournament in their quarter-final victory against Belgium, although France have conceded just two goals in six games themselves. With the France attack looking formidable, it will be interesting to see if their unstoppable force or Spain's immovable object prevails in the contest on Tuesday.

There's a good chance of more goals in the other semi-final between England and Argentina as neither side have been as impressive at the back. Both sides have conceded six goals so far, with England giving up the most chances and Argentina being the least successful at keeping them out. While Argentina have covered the most ground (706.

5km), that's simply because they have played more football. When taking playing time into account, they've actually run the least and made the fewest sprints of the four sides remaining. In fact, they've been out-run by their opponents in every game they've played so far.

It's no surprise then that the reigning champions have also been the least aggressive when it comes to pressing opponents, winning the ball high up the pitch less often than England, France and Spain. In contrast, Spain have been the hardest-working of the final four as they've run, sprinted and pressed the opposition the most out of the semi-finalists.

The development has drawn wide international attention, with diplomatic circles watching closely.