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The upcoming World Cup semi-final between Spain and France has been described as a "preliminary final" by Spain's head coach, Luis de la Fuente. The match, scheduled for Tuesday in Dallas, marks a significant moment in the tournament as both teams prepare to face off in a high-stakes encounter. This statement comes after Spain secured their place in the semi-finals with a victory over Belgium in the quarter-finals, showcasing their strong performance throughout the competition. De la Fuente expressed confidence in his team’s ability to defeat any opponent, emphasizing that even matches against powerful teams like Portugal have demonstrated this capability. In a press conference following Spain's win over Belgium, he highlighted the importance of focusing entirely on the French team ahead of the semi-final. He acknowledged the immense potential of the French squad but also pointed out that Spain remains the only team to have defeated them in two previous encounters—during the Euros in 2024 and the Nations League in 2025. These victories serve as a reminder of Spain's competitive edge against their rivals. The coach anticipated that the upcoming match would be more open than ever before, indicating that both teams will need to elevate their level of play significantly. He stated that Spain is fully prepared to give their best effort in order to secure a spot in the final. While recognizing the current form of the French team, De la Fuente emphasized that Spain respects its opponents while feeling confident about their chances of winning against any team they face. France, known for its strong footballing tradition and recent successes, presents a formidable challenge for Spain. The French squad has shown great consistency and depth throughout the tournament, making them a serious contender for the title. Their style of play differs from Spain's, which adds another layer of complexity to the upcoming match. Despite these differences, both teams share a mutual respect for each other's abilities on the field. As the semi-final approaches, fans and analysts alike are eagerly anticipating how this clash will unfold. The outcome could potentially determine who advances to the final, setting up a highly anticipated showdown. Both teams have demonstrated resilience and skill throughout the tournament, making this semi-final a crucial test of their capabilities under pressure. Looking ahead, the focus will shift entirely towards the match itself. Coaches and players will be working diligently to prepare for what promises to be an intense battle on the field. With the stakes higher than ever, both Spain and France aim to showcase their strengths and ultimately claim a place in the final. As the world watches, the stage is set for one of the most exciting matches of the tournament so far.