Spain will attempt to neutralize one of the most potent attacking arsenals in World Cup history on Tuesday, July 14, when they take on France in a heavyweight semi-final showdown.

The reigning European champions and Didier Deschamps’ French team face off at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas in what is seen by many as a “final before the final” featuring the two best sides left in the tournament.

In the blue corner is France, who have progressed serenely to the last four on the back of a multipronged strike-force spearheaded by captain Kylian Mbappe — he has scored eight goals in six games.

Mbappe’s supporting cast includes Bayern Munich star Michael Olise, Ballon D’Or winner Ousmane Dembele and Paris Saint-Germain duo Bradley Barcola and Desire Doue.

In the red corner, Spain, who had calmly worked their way into the semifinals with their brand of possession-based, relentless football that had become their trademark under Luis de la Fuente.

While individual brilliance has lit up France’s campaign, Spain have relied on collective menace — a well-oiled machine founded on the silky passing of midfielders, such as Rodri, Pedri and Fabian Ruiz, providing ammunition for teenage winger Lamine Yamal.

It all adds up to a classic clash of styles that will see Spain attempt to sever the supply lines to Mbappe and company by controlling possession, while simultaneously seeking to put pressure on a France defense that has yet to be seriously tested.

While that may be easier said than done, Spain will take encouragement from their recent record against France.

La Roja defeated France, 5-4, in a high-scoring UEFA Nations League thriller last year, and also scored a 2-1 semifinals win en route to victory at the European Championship in 2024. (Agence France-Presse)