Deschamps Shifts Favourite Tag to Spain Ahead of World Cup Semi-Final

Didier Deschamps isn't one to let the media dictate the mood. On the eve of the World Cup semi-final, the France boss used his pre-match press conference to deflect any talk of his side being the tournament's top dog – and instead turned the spotlight squarely on Spain. "They can attack and defend at the highest level. They've shipped just one goal. Luis de la Fuente and I know how to set up a defence, but given the attacking quality on both sides, we're in for a spectacle," Deschamps said. The only blemish on Spain's campaign so far is a goalless draw with Cape Verde in the opener, a game they played without teenage sensation Lamine Yamal. But Deschamps insists that result means nothing now. "If you saw what Spain did in their first match against Cape Verde, forget it. In every other game they've proved they're the favourites," he stated bluntly. By handing the favourite's mantle to his opposite number, Deschamps is playing a familiar psychological card – easing the burden on his own players while piling it onto Luis de la Fuente's shoulders. "I don't want to put extra pressure on Luis and his team. He knows full well that people expect a lot from them," the Frenchman added with a wry smile. Yet the stats suggest there's nothing between these two giants. France lead in goal difference (+2.3 per match) and expected goals (+1.7), while Spain boast the tournament's stingiest defence (just one goal conceded in six games) and rank second in shots per match (5.8). The semi-final kicks off Tuesday at 22:00 Kyiv time. The winner will meet either England or Argentina in Sunday's final in New Jersey.