🇪🇸 Spain to Face France in Semifinals

[bobogggwu]

Spain has punched its ticket to a blockbuster World Cup semifinal against France, but La Roja’s 2-1 quarterfinal victory over Belgium has left pundits questioning whether their lack of a clinical edge could be their downfall.

An 88th-minute strike from super-sub Mikel Merino rescued the European champions at SoFi Stadium after Belgium's Charles De Ketelaere canceled out Fabián Ruiz's first-half opener. While the dramatic win sparked wild celebrations, underlying numbers suggest Luis de la Fuente’s side is playing a dangerous game.

📊 The Finishing Problem: Trusting the System Over a True No. 9

Spain has generated an impressive 11.83 expected goals (xG) at this tournament but has only converted 11 of those chances. For a world-class, possession-oriented side, underperforming xG is a glaring red flag usually attributed to the lack of a traditional, prolific center-forward.

Mikel Oyarzabal: The converted winger led the line but historically struggles to score consistently from open play.

Ferran Torres: Deployed as the primary rotation option upfront, Torres has only just cracked double-digit league goals for the first time in his career this season.

The Tactical Choice: True striker Borja Iglesias remains firmly on the bench, seeing just one minute of action all tournament. De la Fuente prefers fluid movement that creates opportunities for others, trusting that tinkering with late substitutions will eventually yield results.

While Merino has bailed Spain out with late winners against both Portugal and Belgium, relying on a midfielder to play the hero upfront might not fly against a disciplined French defense.

[Philprevails]

should have been the final tbh

[Emmanuuawe]

Mbape to score 

[Mayors]

Yes

[Ryanherity2000]

Spain all the way vamosssssss

[darasimi]

I support France 🇫🇷 

[ovidio]

Winner Spain 

[cobrakai162]

Pray for olise and mbappe

[mhiztaJayy]

Rooting for my guys…. Mbappe and Dembele.

[joalice9779]

I would really love to see Argentina face Spain. Wow

[amidaa]

Spain and france what a match

[Temitope1]

Spain is going back home oh 

Playing third place 

[hussiennn]

Spain will win