Spain is one win away from another World Cup Final

Spain is just one victory away from reaching the second FIFA World Cup Final in its history. La Roja will face France in Dallas after defeating Belgium 2-1 in the quarterfinals and keeping its dream of a second world title alive.

Luis de la Fuente's team had not reached this stage since South Africa 2010, when Spain eliminated Germany in the semifinals before defeating the Netherlands to lift the trophy.

France now represents one of its toughest challenges of the tournament. Les Bleus are comfortable defending in a compact shape before punishing turnovers through the pace of Kylian Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé and Désiré Doué.

That threat is forcing De la Fuente to carefully consider the makeup of his midfield, which could prove decisive in controlling the match and limiting France's dangerous transitions.

Fabián Ruiz has the edge over Pedri

The biggest question in Spain's lineup concerns who will start alongside Rodri, who has firmly established himself as the team's midfield anchor during the knockout stage.

Fabián Ruiz started against Belgium and responded with an impressive performance. The midfielder added physical presence, helped Spain recover possession and also made an impact in the final third by getting on the scoresheet.

That display gives him the advantage heading into the semifinal. His ability to cover ground and support Rodri could help Spain compete against a French midfield featuring the strength and athleticism of Aurélien Tchouaméni and Adrien Rabiot.

Pedri, however, remains a serious option. The Barcelona midfielder offers greater creativity between the lines, quicker ball circulation and the ability to find openings against a compact defensive block.

De la Fuente's decision may depend on the type of match he wants: more physical balance with Fabián or greater control and creativity with Pedri.

De la Fuente could add another midfielder

Spain's head coach is also considering the possibility of adding another body in midfield to reduce France's threat on the counterattack.

Gavi is an option to play in a more advanced role and increase the intensity of Spain's pressing. His inclusion would give La Roja more aggression when contesting possession, although it would require a change to an attacking structure that has worked well throughout the tournament.

In that scenario, Álex Baena could be the player to make way. The Atlético de Madrid midfielder has grown in importance since the group stage and has delivered several strong performances, meaning continuity remains the most likely choice.

Dani Olmo is expected to keep his place as the central attacking midfielder, linking Spain's midfield with Mikel Oyarzabal.

Spain's defense should remain unchanged

No changes are expected in the back line.

Unai Simón will continue in goal behind Pedro Porro, Pau Cubarsí, Aymeric Laporte and Marc Cucurella, a defensive unit that has become one of Spain's greatest strengths during the tournament.

Porro will face an especially difficult assignment against the movement and speed of Mbappé and Doué. His attacking contributions will remain important, but he must carefully choose when to push forward to avoid leaving space behind him.

On the opposite flank, Cucurella will once again provide intensity and width, while Cubarsí and Laporte will be responsible for anticipating and controlling France's attackers.

Lamine Yamal will lead the attack

Lamine Yamal will once again be Spain's main attacking threat from the right wing.

The young forward will look to create advantages in one-on-one situations and force France to provide constant defensive support on his side. His ability to attract multiple defenders could also open spaces for Olmo and Oyarzabal.

Baena is expected to start from the left, although his role could change if De la Fuente decides to strengthen the midfield with Gavi or bring Pedri back into the starting XI.

Oyarzabal should remain the center forward after establishing himself as one of Spain's most important players during the tournament. His movement, link-up play and ability to attack space will be crucial against a French defense that has allowed very few opportunities in the knockout stage.

Spain will look to dominate possession for long stretches, but it will need to combine patience with quick ball movement to prevent France from settling comfortably into its defensive shape.

Spain's Possible Lineup vs France

Formation: 4-2-3-1

Goalkeeper: Unai Simón.

Defenders: Pedro Porro, Pau Cubarsí, Aymeric Laporte, Marc Cucurella.

Midfielders: Rodri, Fabián Ruiz.

Attacking Midfielders: Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo, Álex Baena.

Forward: Mikel Oyarzabal.

Main selection question: Fabián Ruiz or Pedri in midfield. Gavi could also enter the lineup if Luis de la Fuente decides to strengthen that area.

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