Deschamps calls Spain World Cup favourites, recalls bitterness of old rivalry

France coach Didier Deschamps has named Spain as the favourites to win their World Cup semi-final, a match set to take place in Dallas on Tuesday night. The comment from Deschamps, reported by multiple outlets including New Straits Times and The Independent, comes ahead of what he called a blockbuster clash with the reigning European champions.

2 sources

New Straits TimesSpain 'favourites' says Deschamps ahead of World Cup semi-final showdownThe IndependentDidier Deschamps names Spain as favourites to reach World Cup final

"It was the era when our trucks burned"

es.ara.cat"It was the era when our trucks burned": the day France learned to beat Spain

The remark recalls a tense football history between the neighboring nations. es.ara.cat noted that while Spain won key meetings at the 2012 and 2024 Euros, France claimed the only World Cup encounter between them, a 3-1 victory in the 2006 round of 16. That match was preceded by a Madrid newspaper headline warning "We are going to retire Zidane," a reference to French star Zinedine Zidane, who scored the third goal in that game.

"We are going to retire Zidane"

Deschamps also predicted a spectacular encounter, according to The Independent, setting the stage for a high-stakes meeting in Dallas. The Irish News, Express and Star, and other outlets confirmed the Tuesday night timing of the semi-final.

2 sources

Irish NewsFrance boss Didier Deschamps says Spain are favourites in World Cup semi-finalExpress and StarFrance boss Didier Deschamps says Spain are favourites in World Cup semi-final

Despite France's status as defending champions, Deschamps insisted Spain hold the edge. The match will decide who advances to the final, adding another chapter to a rivalry that has included both on-field success and off-field tension.