Mbappe is still waiting for a goal or an assist in the semi-finals: he has tried both left and right, maybe he will succeed

Kylian Mbappé remains without a goal or assist in his three World Cup semifinals after attempting both left and right flank roles, with speculation growing that he might finally find success as a central striker against Spain in the upcoming match. The French team's attacking setup has been evolving, with options such as Ousmane Dembélé on the right, Michael Olise in the middle, and either Désiré Doué or Bradley Barcola on the left. Should Didier Deschamps opt for a completely new formation, France’s offensive strategy could take on a fresh look. Each of these players possesses the skill, speed, and power to become heroes, but ultimately, the team relies heavily on its captain, who anchors the attack. Mbappé will make his third World Cup semifinal appearance, having previously played on the right wing against Belgium in 2018. Despite not scoring or assisting in that match, which ended 1-0 in favor of France, he was one of the standout performers. In the 2022 tournament against Morocco, he was shifted to the left side and did not perform as strongly, though the 2-0 victory in the final was enough to secure his place in history. This time around, he will attempt to break his duck in the semifinal stage by playing centrally. The player who has scored 20 goals and recorded six assists during this World Cup has managed to score or assist in every round except the semifinals. His ability to create chances for himself and beat opponents is well known, and he has proven capable of deciding matches against all teams he has faced, except Norway, where he provided two assists. Now, he is close to reaching his peak form, and his motivation is further fueled by the presence of multiple Barcelona players on the opposing side, players who have caused difficulties for his club, Real Madrid, in recent seasons. Spain has had mixed results against Mbappé, with three losses and one win. However, that win serves as proof that even the Spanish national team, often referred to as La Roja, is not invincible when Mbappé is at his best. A notable example occurred in the UEFA Nations League final in Milan on October 10, 2021, where Mbappé first assisted Karim Benzema to equalize before scoring the winning goal to secure the trophy for France. If he can replicate that performance at San Siro on Tuesday, Spain might face a similar fate in Texas as they did in Lombardy. Deschamps' decision on Mbappé's position will likely depend on Spain's defensive structure, his teammates, and above all, Mbappé himself. As one of the world’s top players, many consider him the best due to his ability to create opportunities and overcome any opponent. His track record shows that he has the potential to change the course of games, and this match presents another opportunity for him to prove it once again. The French coach has experimented with different formations throughout the tournament, aiming to find the optimal balance between defense and attack. With Mbappé's role still uncertain, the outcome of the match could hinge on whether he finds the right position to maximize his impact. His previous performances suggest that he is capable of delivering crucial moments, and the pressure of facing Spain adds an extra layer of intensity to his challenge. France’s attacking lineup includes several talented players who can contribute significantly, but the responsibility largely falls on Mbappé. His ability to adapt and perform under pressure will be critical in determining the result of the semifinal. Whether he scores, assists, or simply creates chances, his influence on the game is undeniable. The question remains whether this will be the match where he finally breaks through in the semifinal stage, potentially setting the tone for the rest of the tournament.