+ France–Spain, tonight, at 9:00 p.m.
Dallas Stadium, Arlington, Texas, USA.
SVT1/SVT Play/P4 Radio Sport.
+ Top picks clash
Spain and France are the teams that have impressed the most during the championship, and were two of the biggest favourites going into the tournament. Now the European giants clash in the semifinals. Spain last won the World Cup in 2010, France in 2018. If France beats Spain, it will be “Les bleus”’ third consecutive World Cup final.
+ Mbappé vs Yamal
The star duel - France's Kylian Mbappé versus Spain's Lamine Yamal. Everyday life at rival clubs Real Madrid and Barcelona. During the championship, Mbappé has been the best with his eight goals, Yamal has only scored one. When the teams met in the Euro 2024 semifinals, however, it was Yamal who got the ball in the net, as Spain won 2–1.
+ Last replaced
Speaking of Mbappé, the French star was substituted in the quarter-final against Morocco (2-0), after missing a penalty and scoring a goal. The 27-year-old left the pitch after sitting down on the grass, causing concern about an injury. But after the match, he played it down.
"I got a blow to the ankle, but I'm fine," Mbappé said, according to AFP.
+ Time to step up
Yamal was injured during the final stages of the club season and missed several matches with Barcelona. How much he could play in the World Cup was unclear, but he has played 454 minutes for the 19-year-old. However, as mentioned, there has only been one goal, and it is high time for Yamal to show the same class as in Euro 2024 to improve Spain's chances against a strong France.
+ Will Merino get the chance?
Mikel Merino was substituted for Spain in the 86th minute of the quarter-final against Belgium, and in the 85th minute of the round of 16 against Portugal. In both matches, he was the match-winner with two late goals. The question now is whether the Arsenal player has earned his place in the starting line-up, or whether Spain coach Luis de la Fuente will continue to use Merino as a “super-sub”.
+ Spain's defense
Before the quarter-final against Belgium, Spain had not conceded a single goal during the championship. But against Belgium, Charles De Ketalaere broke Spain's clean sheet with his goal in the 41st minute. Now the Spanish defense, with players such as Marc Cucurella, Aymeric Laporte, Pau Cubarsí, Pedro Porro and goalkeeper Unai Simón, is pitted against France's super attack with Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé, Michael Olise and others.
+ Swedish representation
Iván Barton from El Salvador is listed as the main referee for the match. Earlier in the championship, he has refereed Turkey–Paraguay, Japan–Sweden and Switzerland–Colombia.
But if Barton for some reason is unable to officiate, or needs to stop the match, there will be Swedish representation on the field. Swedish referee Glenn Nyberg has been appointed as the fourth official and will be allowed to step in if necessary.
