France vs Spain Predictions

• France have scored 16 times in six matches at this World Cup
• Mbappe has notched eight goals, scoring in every knockout game
• Spain’s clean sheet streak was broken by Belgium in the last round

Stage set for a heavyweight showdown

The two pre-tournament favourites to win the World Cup battle for a place in the final on Tuesday night. European champions Spain had a slight edge with the bookmakers ahead of the tournament, but France have surged out in front following some scintillating displays over the last few weeks.

The French front four have dovetailed perfectly, and they’ve notched 16 goals over the course of their six games. It’s a far cry from the functional French side that triumphed in Russia eight years ago, and there’s a real reversal in fortunes at play two years on from the pair meeting in the semi-finals of the Euros in Germany.

First true test for Spain

Spain claimed European glory two years ago thanks to a blistering attack powered by Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams on either wing. Luis de la Fuente’s side remain the standout midfield unit in the world, but their forward line hasn’t clicked in the same way this summer.

Williams returned from injury to feature off the bench against Belgium, and the hope is that he can play a bigger role in the semi-final.

La Roja built their run to the last four on strong defensive displays, keeping clean sheets in their first five matches at this tournament. However, they looked vulnerable during their 1-0 win over Portugal, and their defensive streak was snapped in the quarter-finals, where they saw off Belgium 2-1.

Now Spain meet the strongest attack in the tournament, and they have a tough task trying to shut down Kylian Mbappe and co.

Madrid’s Mbappe can down Spain

Mbappe has scored eight times and assisted three more for France at this tournament, and the forward has struck in five of their six games. The Real Madrid forward has opened the scoring in all three of France’s knockout games, and he can continue his fine form in front of goal with a strike in the semi-final.

Spain will hope to cause problems going forward, and they’re widely expected to dominate in midfield against the French pair of Adrien Rabiot and Aurelien Tchouameni. Spain’s possession-heavy approach has come in for criticism again, but both Pedro Porro and Marc Cucurella charge forward from full-back to join their attacks, creating overloads in the final third.

The European champions also have game-changers to call off the bench. Williams will likely remain an impact substitute, alongside Mikel Merino, who has scored the winner in each of their previous two matches. Back both sides to get on the scoresheet, while a 1-1 draw is my correct score prediction after Spain narrowly escaped going to extra-time in the last two rounds.