Can Spain beat France in World Cup semi-finals after late Belgium win?

After France cruised to the semi-finals in second gear on Thursday night, it was up to Spain or Belgium to prove they have what it takes to overcome the favourites for this World Cup.

Spain did beat France at the Euros two years ago en route to lifting the trophy, but Les Bleus have improved, and Spain needed to show that they had followed the same path against a Belgium team which has surprised in this tournament.

Belgian winger Jeremy Doku showed early signs of the danger he posed with an early dribble which left a number of Spanish defenders spinning, but then Spain stepped up the pressure.

Spain were yet to be tested at this World Cup, and Belgium was the first of their opponents to press up the pitch and attempt to win the ball back rather than sit and absorb pressure, but this allowed La Roja to look comfortable with free-flowing passing and ending up in the danger areas.

It was no surprise Spain scored first courtesy of a Fabian Ruiz rebound on the half-hour mark after Danny Olmo’s initial shot was saved by Thibaut Courtois.

Scoring first often acts as a sign for Spain to go up a gear, but Belgium would not let them do that; instead, they pressed for an equaliser when they could and were rewarded 11 minutes later as Charles De Ketelaere headed home a cross from Timothy Castagne.

Belgium may not have offered much; their 0.18 xG in the first half reflects that, but the Red Devils had Spain on high alert when it comes to staying in this World Cup.

Spain struggled at the start of the second half, with Belgium carrying on the momentum from the equaliser. Doku continued to surge forward, but then Spain regained control.

A sustained period of pressure midway through the second half saw momentum swing. No longer were Belgium able to head towards their opponent’s goal; instead, they were trapped.

Things went from bad to worse for Belgium with goalkeeper Courtois forced off with injury, and unfortunately for his replacement Senne Lemens, he would be the man at fault for Spain’s winner.

Pau Cubarsi’s long-range strike in the 88th minute was met by Lemens, but he failed to keep hold of it, spilling the ball into the path of Spanish super sub Mikel Merino, who stuck the ball into the back of the net and secured a place in the World Cup semi-finals for his country.

Can Spain beat France in the World Cup semi-finals?

This late victory for Spain displayed what is arguably the team’s greatest trait, not possession, but patience.

The Spanish way of playing is letting the ball do the work; passing moves will drag opposition players out of position, allowing La Roja to strike.

Against a team like Belgium, which attempted to put pressure on Spain, it worked to an extent, albeit both goals came from the ball fortunately landing at the feet of the goalscorers.

But against France, Spain can indeed cause problems for the favourites.

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As shown against Morocco, Les Bleus can get frustrated and had to wait for a moment of magic from Kylian Mbappe to seize control.

Spain’s composure with the ball, and ability to slowly choke their opponents give them a good chance of beating France; however, concentration will be key.

France have shown they can punish opponents in a flash, and there were a few instances where Spain was in trouble against a less talented Belgium team.

As the World Cup carnival leaves Los Angeles, France and Spain prepare for a battle for the ages between two of Europe’s premier footballing nations.

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