France coach Didier Deschamps has labelled European champions Spain as favourites ahead of Tuesday’s blockbuster FIFA World Cup semi-final, despite his side’s impressive run to the last four.
France will face Spain at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, in what is widely regarded as one of the biggest matches of the tournament, with a place in Sunday’s final at stake.
Although Les Bleus have produced a series of commanding performances, Deschamps insisted Spain remain the team to beat after recovering from an opening goalless draw against tournament debutants Cape Verde.
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“Forget about the first game against Cape Verde,” Deschamps said on Monday.
“Ever since then Spain have confirmed that they are the favourites.
“I don’t want to add extra pressure to (Spain coach) Luis (de la Fuente) and their team. He knows very well that people are expecting great things of Spain.
“But Spain can attack well, and they can defend very well. They’ve only conceded one goal in the last six or seven matches.”
Spain coach Luis de la Fuente, however, played down suggestions that his side are favourites, insisting such labels would have no bearing on the outcome of the match.
“Since the beginning, I’ve always said that the fact that people say we’re favourites or not doesn’t mean anything,” De la Fuente told reporters.
“We are two great national teams facing each other, just as there are two great national teams facing each other in the other semi-final.
“Regardless of whether we’re favourites or not, it doesn’t create additional pressure. We have that pressure anyway because we want to do well for our country.”
Deschamps predicted an entertaining contest, pointing to the attacking quality on both sides.
“With the quality of the two teams offensively, I think we could think that it is going to be a spectacular game,” he said.
The France coach also acknowledged the threat posed by Spain’s teenage winger Lamine Yamal, who scored against Les Bleus in both the Euro 2024 semi-final and the UEFA Nations League last year.
“Have I studied Yamal and his assets? Yes, he’s one of the players that can really make a difference on the pitch,” Deschamps said.
“But we have many solutions. When it comes to one-on-ones, it could be tough. Having a one-on-one against some of my players is not an easy task either.”
Deschamps also eased concerns over captain Kylian Mbappe, confirming the Real Madrid forward is “100 per cent” fit after picking up a knock during France’s quarter-final victory over Morocco.
The winners of Tuesday’s encounter will advance to the World Cup final, where they will face either England or Argentina.