​Didier Deschamps has already navigated every possible scenario and clearly does not fear even the smallest obstacle. It’s evident that teams tremble before Les Bleus, which is understandable, and they are exploiting that mindset to their advantage. It’s impressive how opponents manage to quiet France for long stretches, yet the match is too lengthy to silence Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé completely. Against Morocco, patience stretched to an hour, but these forwards are accustomed to such tests, and Mbappé delivered the moment of magic that has powered this run, followed by a precise assist. In a tournament that has largely spotlighted individuals, France possesses the best of a talented group.
Football is often simple: you play for almost 90 minutes, and then Mikel Merino emerges with a late, decisive moment. The Arsenal midfielder had been on the field for just 115 seconds against Belgium when he found himself in the right place at the right time. Once again, the impact from the substitutes was notable, as Lamine Yamal continues to advance, preparing himself for a clash with Mbappé. It was arduous for La Roja, tougher than it had been previously, yet they are adapting to an improving quality with each round, a shift that fuels their growing confidence as they progress. “If anyone should be afraid, it should be France—we knocked them out of the Euros,” Yamal said. “We have no fear.”
The relentless heat of Miami tested England for much of their contest with Norway, leaving Thomas Tuchel exasperated by his side’s performance. It was Jude Bellingham who carried the weight, shifting the dynamic at times when his teammates often lagged behind. He has forced himself into England’s premier role, lifting his country toward the semi-finals. Tuchel’s substitutions were intriguing, with roles rotating, particularly when they moved Bellingham away from his optimal position. It’s clear that the No. 10 must stay as close to Harry Kane as possible if England are to have a chance of reaching the final.
The familiar pattern persisted as Lionel Messi wielded his complete arsenal to carve his way through a stubborn defense, yet it was others who ultimately made the difference. Julián Álvarez’s first goal of the tournament will boost the striker’s confidence, especially given the remarkable quality of the finish. Every knockout match has been a battle for Lionel Scaloni’s squad, the world champions failing to establish a consistent rhythm over 90 minutes. They attempted to ease their way through against Switzerland after an early goal, but that was a dangerous approach they cannot afford to repeat in the semi-finals. As midfielder Leandro Paredes remarked, “It seems like if there’s no suffering, it doesn’t count.”
There was, however, heartbreak in Madrid as Thibaut Courtois suffered an injury against Spain, and Senne Lammens bore the blame for the decisive mistake that led to defeat. Lammens appeared rusty, having not played competitively in a long period, a lapse that underscored the challenges of returning to top-level football. This moment underscored how every setback can tilt the balance in a high-stakes knockout environment, where a single lapse can redefine a team’s fate.