World Cup semi-finalists ranking: How Argentina, France, Spain and England stack up

Then there are four teams left, and somehow, they are also the teams that entered World Cup as the top four in the FIFA rankings. France, Spain, In Argentinaagain In England The last four teams stand on the way to the finals next Sunday, and do as the favorites do. In Kylian Mbappe and Lionel Messi, the two Golden Boot leaders are still in the running, along with the team chasing Harry Kane and Jude Bellinghamwhile the 2022 winners (Argentina) and runners-up (France) are in contention if they cannot stay in the running.

Although on the other hand, this is the final of the game, the World Cup is the stage where you want to see the biggest stars and the best teams in the world, so it is still a good thing that these teams are still standing because it will ensure that the semi-finals are even and lead to the final of the tournament — and the unknown third place game if you are in it. With these teams settled, it’s time to look at each of the remaining teams and see where they stand:

4. Argentina

While Argentina had an easy way through the knockout stages to get here, they needed to be the returning World Cup champions to get there, forced into double time, and once they didn’t, Argentina had to score three goals after the 86th minute to avoid extra time and beat Egypt. They have been powered by Messi, who has a goal or assist in every World Cup match, but their victory came in extra time. in Switzerland it’s the first time he hasn’t scored, Julian Alvarez, Alexis Mac Allister, and Lautaro Martinez all scored.

That part is important, so with all the best of Argentina, and a little bit of luck, they won’t be able to win the World Cup with only Messi. Although he is one of the best players in the world, going up against a team like France and Mbappe will also have a game-changer on his own, and it shows that he is the only player to score eight goals in two different World Cups.

When it comes to the Argentina XI, Rodrigo De Paul has struggled in the middle of the field, and they have been harassed by the players on the sides, which will be an issue that Bukayo Saka will face, Anthony Gordonand England. Lionel Scaloni has managed to find a way so far, but looking at all four remaining teams, Argentina have a lot of questions at this stage.

3. England

Coming into the tournament it was expected to be a showcase for Kane in England. And while that has been the case, to some extent, with Kane scoring six goals and assisting one more, the knockout stages have brought out the best in Jude Bellingham. The Real Madrid midfielder has scored two goals in consecutive matches to equal Kane’s six goals in the World Cup. Those two are what make England so dangerous, as injuries and suspensions have decimated Thomas Tuchel’s squad. Jarell Quansah is suspended from the semifinals, however Jordan Henderson he is out due to injury. Recece James it should be found after coming off the bench facing it in Norwaywhich would be a huge boost for England, but when their biggest threat has been themselves in major tournaments, survival in these games is important.

On paper, England have the worst expected goals and expected goals conceded of the remaining four teams, but much of that is down to a man down when they face off. Mexico. This team, not rising to the level of the other two semi-finalists, is ready to give Argentina a problem as the Three Lions look to reach the World Cup finals for the first time since they won the tournament in 1966. It may not be a homecoming, but this is the closest England have come to the dream in a long time.

2. France

Kylian Mbappe is drawing comparisons with Lionel Messi in the World Cup standings with eight goals of his own, elevating his French teammates in the tournament. Ousmane Dembele he has five goals and two assists, as well Michael Olise he has five assists, only one behind Pelé for the most in any single World Cup. With France in the middle of Didier Deschamps’ last World Cup in charge, they have become one of the best attacking teams in the world. Les Bleus are usually associated with being a team that takes the fun out of games, but that was not the case during this World Cup. Even passing by these attackers, I did not mention them Bradley Barcola again Desire Douethey also came in when needed. It’s a shame to be rich going forward for Deschamps, and if he’s a manager who wants to get his best 11 out there, it shouldn’t be a surprise that they can attack like this.

Physicality has been where France have struggled, as Paraguay gave France all it could handle in the round of 16. Some of it was reheated to burn, but that won’t affect the semi-final as it took place on a climate-controlled field in Dallas. But France will face the best defense in the tournament and a midfield that can push them, especially if Aurelien Tchouameni does not return to the starting XI. I only have Andre Rabiot, N’Golo Kante, Kouadio Kone, Warren Zaire-Emeryand Tchouameni in midfield, if there’s one area this quad could worry about, it’s the center of the park, which is where Spain are at their strongest.

1. In Spain

My pick to win the World Cup before the tournament even started and I still hold that spot, Spain are not in top gear yet, but they got the matches to get to the semi-finals. In part, this is down to self-defense, or with Unai SimonThe record-breaking streak is coming to an end, and the other big part lies with Mikel Oyarzabal who hit the mark to make it four goals in the season. Lamine Yamal he struggled to get back to his best self. Although the Barcelona man can open the game at any time, it seems that he is pushing hard in this World Cup. Taking shots from distance is one of the things that makes Yamal great, but it also creates easy counter attacks for other teams to take advantage of.

This is where the Spanish midfielder plays. Being Peter and Rodri, even if there is another attack coming, Spain can clear it. They are also so pragmatic when attacking under Luis de la Fuente that if Spain is not pressed, they will simply submit. Both In Portugal again In Belgium I found that out when I read about super sub Mikel Merino, of course, six of Spain’s 11 goals during the World Cup were scored by someone named Mikel, who can play in midfield or emerge as an emergency striker. There are not many better players to bring them off the bench during a tournament like the World Cup. Spain’s approach and depth is what sets them apart, and while it may be a 1a and 1b situation when trying to separate them from France, it makes enough of a difference to put them first here, as Dallas will be home to as many World Cup finals as New Jersey.