France’s three danger zones against Spain in World Cup semi-final | OneFootball

France arrive with sharper attacking weapons two years after their 2-1 Euro semi-final loss, but Spain at 21:00 on Tuesday could pose their sternest defensive test. Three areas stand out.

According to L'Équipe, the first concerns the press. France have held a high block all tournament, yet Spain’s technique could force them closer to their box. A key question is how much licence Kylian Mbappé gives Pau Cubarsi, with Portugal and Belgium previously allowing the youngster more time than Aymeric Laporte.

The structure around Ousmane Dembélé is another issue. When he steps up alongside his captain to press the left centre-back, the Spanish left-back, often Marc Cucurella, can be found in the space behind him. France could accept aggressive one-v-ones by pushing Jules Koundé out, or they must either suffocate the first pass, ambitious, or drop quickly and anticipate the switch to Lamine Yamal.

Yamal, injured before the World Cup, is growing into form. Only Ivorian Diomandé has carried the ball further, and Yamal most often reaches a shot after a carry at 2.67 per 90 minutes. Doué or Barcola’s tracking can help, but doubling him does not remove his ability to distribute from the right half-space, with Pedro Porro’s depth runs, Cucurella’s diagonal threat and a central runner all live options.

The third zone sits in front of Dayot Upamecano and William Saliba. Spain frequently position at least two ahead of the ball, usually Dani Olmo with Mikel Oyarzabal, while Ferran Torres or Mikel Merino can also occupy those lanes.

Staggered pairs hurt teams by receiving behind the midfield then slipping one or two-touch passes. That pattern decided the wins over Portugal and Belgium, and Merino struck similarly against France in the Nations League last year before doing so again at this World Cup. The challenge for the French pair is when to step without exposing space in behind.

Source: L'Équipe