Adedokun Waliyu European champions Spain are on course for a blockbuster World Cup semi-final against Kylian Mbappé’s France if they can overcome Belgium in their quarter-final clash.
At the SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, Belgium face the difficult challenge of breaking down a Spanish defence that has yet to concede a goal in the tournament. A victory for Spain would set up a highly anticipated semi-final against France in Texas, a fixture many football observers have described as the “final before the final.”
Before thinking about France, however, Spain must first find a way past a Belgium side that has improved significantly after a slow start to the competition.
Belgium announced themselves as serious contenders with an impressive 4-1 victory over the United States in the previous round, highlighting the progress made under coach Rudi Garcia.
Spain, meanwhile, have relied more on their trademark possession-based football than explosive attacking displays. Their disciplined style has drawn comparisons with the team that won the country’s first FIFA World Cup title in South Africa in 2010.
Barcelona star Lamine Yamal, who turns 19 next week, remains Spain’s biggest attacking threat. However, after recovering from a late-season injury before the tournament, he has struggled to produce his best form, scoring only once in five appearances.
Spain coach Luis de la Fuente admitted that supporters have yet to witness the youngster’s finest performances at the World Cup, expressing confidence that his attacking brilliance will soon return.
While Yamal has been relatively quiet, Mikel Oyarzabal has stepped up impressively, scoring four goals, including a brace in Spain’s convincing 3-0 victory over Austria in the Round of 32. Spain’s defensive solidity has also been remarkable, allowing only six shots on target throughout their five matches.
Belgium’s campaign has gathered momentum after an unconvincing group stage. They produced a thrilling comeback to defeat Senegal 3-2 in the Round of 32 after recovering from two goals down, with Romelu Lukaku making a major impact from the bench and Youri Tielemans leading the comeback.
The Belgians then comfortably defeated the United States in the Round of 16 in a match that attracted attention after Donald Trump intervened to have US striker Folarin Balogun’s suspension overturned. Belgium responded in humorous fashion by mimicking Trump’s famous Y.M.C.A. dance celebration on the pitch.
The tournament is expected to be the final World Cup appearance for several members of Belgium’s celebrated “Golden Generation,” including Romelu Lukaku, Kevin De Bruyne and Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.
Despite being considered underdogs, Belgium remain confident of causing an upset. Coach Rudi Garcia said many people expect his side to be eliminated, but insisted his players believe they have what it takes to reach the semi-finals and will give everything to achieve that goal.
Meanwhile, France strengthened their credentials by defeating Morocco 2-0 in the quarter-finals. Kylian Mbappé, who had earlier seen a penalty saved, scored his eighth goal of the tournament and the 20th World Cup goal of his career before Ousmane Dembélé sealed the victory.
Mbappé was substituted later in the match and was seen applying an ice pack to his foot, but he quickly reassured supporters that the issue was not serious. The French captain will now eagerly await the winner of the Spain and Belgium encounter as France prepare for another major World Cup showdown.
