(Getty Images)
Coach Didier Deschamps said France would not voluntarily give up possession to Spain with Aurélien Tchouameni available again as the teams prepare for a potentially decisive battle in midfield.
Spain built their way to the last four thanks to their ability to dominate the ball, drive opponents deep into their half and control the rhythm of matches.
France have the pace to cause damage on the break, but Deschamps rejected the idea that his side would be content to simply defend and wait for transitions.
“Spain can put a lot of pressure, but we are also a team that needs the ball,” Deschamps told reporters on Monday.
“There will be a battle for control.”
Midfielder Warren Zaire-Emery said the French’s varied qualities gave them several ways to approach the match.
“Spain have great possession,” he said.
“We have the qualities to attack quickly on counter-attacks, maintain possession and defend well.
“The course of the game will dictate the situation. I cannot say now exactly how the match will develop.”
Tchouameni’s presence could be key for France as the Real Madrid midfielder recovers from a hamstring injury.
Tchouameni’s presence would give France a natural holding midfielder capable of defending the defence, competing physically and helping the team overcome Spain’s pressure.
However. Tchouameni is still not 100 percent fit, so Deschamps can retain the midfield configuration that helped France beat Morocco: Manu Kone and Adrien Rabiot. Zaire-Emery offers another option in an area that will likely determine whether Spain can impose its usual rhythm.
Spain’s possession game is designed not only to create gaps, but also to wear down opponents by repeatedly moving the ball from one side to the other.
So let’s check it out and see who will line up for both teams?
– with Reuters