By Toby TAIWO
France coach Didier Deschamps said Aurelien Tchouameni will be available again as the teams prepare for a potentially decisive battle in midfield against Spain Tuesday’s World Cup semi-final.
Spain have built their run to the last four around their ability to dominate the ball, press opponents deep into their own half and control the rhythm of matches.
France possess the pace to hurt them on the break, but Deschamps rejected the idea that his side would be content merely to defend and wait for transitions.
“Spain can apply a lot of pressure, but we are also a team who need the ball,” Deschamps told reporters on Monday. “There will be a battle for control.”
Midfielder Warren Zaire-Emery said France’s range of qualities gave them several ways to approach the contest.
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“Spain have great quality on the ball,” he said. “We have the qualities to attack quickly on the counter, to keep possession ourselves and to defend well.
