World Cup betting tips: Best bets and predictions for France vs Spain semi-final
France and Spain meet in the FIFA World Cup semi-finals on Tuesday, July 14, with two European heavyweights battling for a place in Sunday's final.
Les Bleus arrive with the tournament's most explosive attack led by Kylian Mbappé, while Spain have reached the last four through their trademark control of possession and defensive organisation.
With a place in the World Cup final on the line, expect another tactical battle between two of international football's most complete sides.
Odds provided by Hollywood Bets.
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Match analysis
This is a fascinating stylistic clash.
France are arguably the most devastating transition team remaining in the tournament.
Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé, Michael Olise and Désiré Doué have punished almost every defence they've faced, while France have conceded only twice throughout their campaign.
Spain, meanwhile, remain the tournament's best possession side.
Luis de la Fuente's team leads the World Cup for final-third passes and possession, with Rodri and Pedri controlling matches before releasing Lamine Yamal and Mikel Oyarzabal into dangerous areas.
Their ability to keep the ball is also their best defensive weapon because opponents simply spend less time attacking.
The key battle is therefore obvious.
If Spain dominate possession and prevent France from breaking in transition, they have an excellent chance of reaching another major final.
If France win the ball in midfield and create space for Mbappé and Dembélé to attack, they become incredibly difficult to stop.
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Player battle to watch
Kylian Mbappé vs Lamine Yamal
This feels like a meeting between the game's current superstar and perhaps its next one.
Mbappé has been France's standout performer throughout the tournament, continuing to deliver goals in the knockout rounds while stretching every defensive line he has faced.
Yamal has influenced matches differently.
Rather than scoring regularly, Spain's teenage sensation has consistently progressed attacks through his dribbling and chance creation, forcing defenders into one-on-one situations few can handle.
Whichever player imposes himself most could decide the semi-final.
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Best bets
Both Teams To Score - Yes (0.65)
Both attacks are packed with elite quality, while each side possesses multiple players capable of creating chances from very little.
Although both defences have impressed, the individual talent on display makes goals at both ends highly likely.
Kylian Mbappé - First Goalscorer (3.1)
Mbappé remains France's biggest attacking weapon.
His movement behind defensive lines perfectly suits the way France attack, and if Les Bleus strike first, there is every chance their captain will be involved.
France to Qualify (0.65)
Spain have defeated France in each of their last two major tournament meetings, but this feels different.
France's front four have looked almost unstoppable throughout the tournament, while Didier Deschamps' side continues to combine defensive discipline with devastating counter-attacking football.
The odds suggest a close contest, but France's ability to punish mistakes in transition gives them a slight edge over 90 minutes or beyond.
Prediction
Expect Spain to dominate possession for long periods.
France, however, rarely need much of the ball to create clear-cut opportunities.
It should be a cagey opening before the game opens up in the second half as both teams begin committing more players forward.
Prediction: France 2-1 Spain
Best bets
Both Teams To Score - Yes (0.65)
Kylian Mbappé First Goalscorer (3.1)
France To Qualify (0.65)
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