World Cup Cheat Sheet: 20 Things to Know About the Epic Semifinals

Key Points:

• The 2024 World Cup has showcased strong performances from underdog and African teams, with nine of ten African nations reaching the knockout stages, but the semifinals feature only former champions: France, Spain, England, and Argentina.
• France has evolved into a more attacking team since Euro 2024, led by Kylian Mbappé and playmaker Michael Olise, while Spain relies on a possession-based, aggressive counterpress style to challenge France’s transition game.
• England and Argentina renew a historic rivalry in the semifinals, with England benefiting from playing in a controlled indoor environment and relying on Jude Bellingham’s dynamic play, while Argentina depends heavily on Lionel Messi’s creativity and clutch performances despite defensive vulnerabilities.
• Tactical battles will be key: Spain aims to control possession and counterpress France’s attacking threats, while England is expected to dominate possession against Argentina’s less consistent counterpressing, exploiting Argentina’s defensive weaknesses on the right flank.
• Individual brilliance remains crucial, with Mbappé and Olise driving France’s attack, Messi carrying Argentina through tough matches, and England’s Harry Kane and Anthony Gordon poised to exploit defensive gaps; set pieces also represent a significant opportunity for both England and Argentina.