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France ready to fight Spain for midfield control in World Cup semi-final

From Kathmandu Post · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • France aims to control possession against Spain in the World Cup semi-final, with coach Didier Deschamps emphasizing the need for the ball.
  • Midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni is available again after a hamstring injury, strengthening France's midfield options.
  • The midfield battle is expected to be crucial in determining the match's outcome, with both teams possessing different strengths.

France is preparing for a midfield showdown against Spain in their World Cup semi-final, with coach Didier Deschamps stating his team will not simply cede possession. Spain has built their success on dominating the ball and controlling the game's tempo, but Deschamps insists France also needs the ball to dictate play.

Spain can apply a lot of pressure, but we are also a team who need the ball. There will be a battle for control.

— Didier DeschampsFrance's coach speaking at a press conference on the eve of the World Cup semi-final against Spain.

"There will be a battle for control," Deschamps told reporters. Midfielder Warren Zaire-Emery echoed this sentiment, noting France's versatility in attack, defense, and possession. He suggested the game's flow would dictate their specific approach.

Spain have great quality on the ball. We have the qualities to attack quickly on the counter, to keep possession ourselves and to defend well. The course of the game will dictate things. I cannot say now exactly how the match will unfold.

— Warren Zaire-EmeryThe French midfielder discussing his team's approach to facing Spain.

The return of Aurelien Tchouameni from a hamstring injury significantly bolsters France's midfield. While not fully recovered, the Real Madrid midfielder is available for selection, providing a natural holding player capable of competing physically and helping France navigate Spain's pressure. Deschamps confirmed Tchouameni's availability, stating the risk was too high in the previous match but he is better now.

For the last match, the risk was too high. He is better today, although we cannot say he is 100% recovered. His last game was two weeks ago, but that is not prohibitive. The important thing is that he is available.

— Didier DeschampsDeschamps commenting on Aurelien Tchouameni's fitness ahead of the semi-final.

Deschamps has options in midfield, potentially pairing Manu Kone with Adrien Rabiot, or utilizing Zaire-Emery. Fullback Jules Kounde highlighted the need for France to maintain possession to disrupt Spain's rhythm. Despite past losses to Spain in Euro 2024 and the Nations League, Deschamps dismissed their relevance, stating each match has its own truth.

There are no particular lessons. There was one truth in those matches, with the players

— Didier DeschampsDeschamps downplaying the significance of past encounters with Spain.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Kathmandu Post. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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