Didier Deschamps has insisted France are operating at a new level as they prepare to face Spain in a World Cup semi-final, with the outgoing manager stepping down after 14 years in charge at the end of the tournament.
France, two-time world champions, could become only the third country to reach three consecutive World Cup finals if they win in Texas, with kick-off set for 20:00 BST. West Germany, who appeared in finals in 1982, 1986 and 1990, and Brazil, who did so in 1994, 1998 and 2002, are the only nations to have achieved the feat. Deschamps captained France to the world title in 1998 and managed them to glory in 2018, before they were beaten on penalties by Argentina in the 2022 final in Qatar.
Despite acknowledging Spain’s credentials, Deschamps said he was focused solely on what lies ahead. “The past is in the past,” he said. “They did win in the past but I am looking forward to tomorrow. We are now at another level. We want to be in the final.” He also conceded that Spain would start as favourites, pointing to their defensive record. “They have only conceded one goal in six games. We know this could be a most spectacular game.”
Spain boss Luis de la Fuente pushed back on the favourites tag, playing down any suggestion it would add extra weight to his side. “It doesn’t mean anything,” he said. “We are two great national teams facing one another. Whether we are favourites or not doesn’t mean further pressure for us. We have that pressure anyway because we want to do well for our country.”
France have scored 16 times in six games at this tournament. Kylian Mbappe has been central to that threat, contributing eight goals and a further three assists. Between them, France’s two and Spain’s one World Cup title mean the two sides have claimed the trophy three times combined.
Image credit: BBC Sport / BBC Sport
