Spain Promise Attacking Approach Against France

ence that Spain's possession-based football can overcome Didier Deschamps' star-studded side.

"We have analysed France in great detail. We know each other very well," De la Fuente said. "They have outstanding players, and so do we. We have to bring out our best qualities while trying to neutralise theirs."

He stressed that Spain would look to dictate the game from the opening whistle.

"Football is about balance. The team that manages it best usually wins. We want to win our individual battles and impose our style by being aggressive from the start."

France, led by the pace and attacking quality of Kylian Mbappe, Michael Olise and Ousmane Dembele, are considered slight favourites by many, but Spain take confidence from winning their last two meetings with Les Bleus.

De la Fuente also recalled last year's dramatic UEFA Nations League semi-final, when Spain nearly squandered a 5-1 lead before eventually winning 5-4.

"These are two completely different matches," he said. "We want to repeat what we did well and avoid the mistakes we made. We know how dangerous France can be."

The Spanish coach acknowledged that France have become an even stronger side over the past two years.

"I think they are a better team now. Their players are more mature and they play with greater organisation. They have improved a lot."

Asked about his final message to the players before kick-off, De la Fuente kept it simple.

"Go out and enjoy the match," he said. "We are in a fantastic moment, and we don't know if we will have this opportunity again. We have to be the team we are capable of being."

Spain and France will meet in the first World Cup semi-final at 1:00 am Bangladesh time on Wednesday.

MMR