On its national day, France faced a crushing defeat, unable to overcome its inferiority complex against a perfectly executing Spain, which has now emerged as the clear favorite for the World Cup title.
The match, lasting just over a hundred minutes, felt like a horror documentary, showcasing the struggles of Les Bleus in Texas, complete with hydration breaks. Stars like Mbappe, Dembele, and Olise were reduced to mere shadows in a game that resembled a forced relocation of the Mona Lisa from the Louvre to the Conciergerie, locked away with two padlocks.
Spain’s football was as delightful as the masterpieces in El Prado, a collective work of art orchestrated by De la Fuente. The players combined colors, shades, light, and geometry on the green canvas in a grand style.
De la Fuente’s Tactical Brilliance Reignites Spanish Hopes
Throughout the match, the French team rarely appeared to have a chance against a well-oiled football machine, with every part functioning seamlessly. They struggled without even revving their engines or making frantic attempts to accelerate, landing them in a panic.
Deschamps’ squad seemed hypnotized, relegated to the status of an underdog, losing hope of overcoming a deficit they had never faced before in this tournament due to an embarrassing mistake by a defender unworthy of PSG.
The coach might cite the early loss of Saliba as an excuse, whose injury paved the way for the combination that doomed the semifinal: Olmo and Porro.
The Musketeers of Deschamps Overpowered by La Furia Roja
This time, it was not just the details that made the difference; it was the direction and script laid out by De la Fuente. This updated version of Del Bosque from the South Africa 2010 World Cup succeeded in suffocating the French midfield, ensnaring them in a Bermuda Triangle formed by Rodri, Fabian Ruiz, and Dani Olmo.
On paper, they might not compare to the legendary trio of the first world champion, consisting of Busquets, Xabi Alonso, and Xavi. However, Manchester City’s star dictated the laws in the engine room.
The secret to Spain’s supremacy lay in how the French Musketeers, along with D’Artagnan—Mbappe, Olise, Dembele, and Barcola—were left defenseless. They could not manage a single shout of “touche” past Unai Simon, as they were starved of space and breath, unable to freely express their game. The most feared attack of this World Cup vanished in Dallas against the strongest defense, only bested by Belgium’s De Ketelaere.
Lamine Yamal’s Springboard and the Mystery of Number 19
Spain had previously remained discreet in the group stage, bowing their heads when they could achieve no more. They seemingly awaited Lamine Yamal to transition into adulthood and reach peak performance.
De la Fuente adeptly adjusted his starting lineup, finding the ideal pair of full-backs in Porro and Cucurella. He opted to bench Pedri, making the sacrifice for the team’s cause, while strategically placing Olmo behind the striker (Oyarzabal has been the top scorer under his management, though he does not hold the same significance as Villa did in 2010). His choices masked the absence of Nico Williams by deploying Baena on the left.
The tactical lesson imparted to France represents a new chapter for Spain, aptly titled “Save the Best for Last.” Regardless of whom they face in the Atlanta tournament, La Furia Roja stands as the frontrunner against Messi’s team or Kane’s squad in the grand final, scheduled for the 19th. Coincidentally, that number also corresponds to Lamine Yamal’s jersey and the age he just turned. Is it mere coincidence?
How remarkable would it be for the Spanish Golden Boy to be named “Superior Player of The Match” in a gala representation at the football world’s Times Square?
