Spain beat France in the semi-finals of Euro 2024 on their way to being crowned European champions before defeating Les Bleus in a nine-goal thriller in the Nations League last year.
“The past is in the past,” said Deschamps, who is stepping down at the end of the tournament after 14 years in charge”. “They [Spain] 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.”
Two-time world champions France will become only the third country to reach three straight World Cup finals if they win in Texas.
Spain have built their run to the last four around their ability to dominate the ball, press opponents deep into their own half and control the rhythm of matches. France possess the pace to hurt them on the break, but Deschamps rejected the idea that his side would be content merely to defend and wait for transitions.
France’s prospects of competing in the central areas have been strengthened by the return of Aurelien Tchouameni, who last played in the round of 32.
France captain Kylian Mbappe, who had an ankle injury scare in the quarterfinal win over Morocco, did not complete Monday’s final training session. Mbappe, who was substituted late in France’s 2-0 victory last Thursday, was partly rested during Monday’s session but the injury is not expected to prevent him from playing on Tuesday.
“Kylian is fine,” Deschamps said. Asked if Mbappe had trained, he added: “Yes, he trained. He is allowed to do 10 minutes in one drill instead of 15.”
France’s attacking threat has been led by Mbappe, the tournament’s top scorer. However, the semifinal may hinge on whether Deschamps’ midfield can prevent Spain from monopolising the ball and still provide the forwards with enough service.
