Image source, Getty Images

The sense is that while Spain and Lamine Yamal have been feeling their way into this tournament, their semi-final opponents France hit the ground running from their very first game and - Paraguay apart - have been winning matches with a swagger.

But the end result has been much the same.

France have won all six matches, scoring a tournament-high 16 goals, but have also given very little away at the back, conceding just two.

Spain, meanwhile, have won their last five matches after being held to a goalless draw by Cape Verde in their opener.

They have scored 11 goals in their six games but, potentially most importantly, have conceded just one goal - to Belgium in their quarter-final win.

Where the two teams differ is the form of their talisman.

France's Kylian Mbappe has had the most goal involvements of any player, with 11, and is level with Lionel Messi at the top of the scoring charts with eight goals.

Spain's Lamine Yamal, in contrast, has scored one goal and is yet to provide an assist.

Gary Rose
BBC Sport journalist in Los Angeles

Spain have been brilliant in defence, with Belgium's goal the first they have conceded at this World Cup.

But that backline will be really put to test against a free-scoring Mbappe-led France.

It means Lamine Yamal and the rest of the Spain attack is also going to need to be at their best to alleviate the pressure on those at the back

"I think we have not seen the best from the attacking players in terms of fluidity and making the right decision," ex-Spain defender Cesar Azpilicueta said.

"What gives me confidence is Spain control the game and recover the ball quite quickly. You don't see them at any point collapse and not knowing what to do.

"It is true that his [Lamine Yamal's] game has not transferred into goals or assists, but he is very influential in Spain's game.

"He wants to create the difference. He is always moving, so I think he has more to give to the team and now is the right time."

Image source, Getty Images

Lamine Yamal sustained a hamstring injury in Barcelona's win over Celta Vigo on 23 April and was ruled out for the remainder of the season.

But it was always hoped that the 18-year-old would be able to play a part in Spain's World Cup campaign.

He was used sparingly by manager Luis de la Fuente in the group stages but has now started and finished Spain's last two knockout wins over Portugal and Belgium.

And while Yamal has not yet found his scoring boots, he is slowly starting to look more confident in his match fitness.

Lamine Yamal's minutes at the 2026 World Cup:

• Spain 0-0 Cape Verde - Started his first World Cup game on the bench but replaced Gavi on 71 minutes
• Spain 4-0 Saudi Arabia - Scored Spain's opener on 10 minutes after making his first start, but was replaced at half time by Yeremy Pino
• Uruguay 0-1 Spain - Played 76 minutes before being replaced by Nico Williams
• Spain 3-0 Austria - Played 85 minutes before being replaced by Gavi
• Portugal 0-1 Spain - Played the full game
• Spain 2-1 Belgium - Played the full game

Gary Rose
BBC Sport journalist in Los Angeles

This has been a tournament where the big names have stepped up with Argentina great Lionel Messi, France's Kylian Mbappe, England's Harry Kane and Erling Haaland of Norway all playing leading roles for their respective teams.

However, Spain and Barcelona's teenage star Lamine Yamal is yet to truly light up the stage to the extent he did during the national team's successful Euro 2024 campaign.

While the other names are battling it out for the Golden Boot, Lamine Yamal has played six games at this World Cup and scored just one goal.

At times at the tournament he has made the wrong decision, opting to shoot when a pass would have been better, but that is not to say he is not contributing as his dribbling ability and pace helps to make space for players like Mikel Merino.

"You'll have Lionel Messi making the wrong decisions at times," Wayne Rooney said on BBC One.

"Let's remember he came into this tournament injured, so he is still finding his rhythm in the game.

"Where he is effective is when he takes the ball, he attracts players towards him, and he creates space for his team-mates."

So how can Spain show more?

They have scored 11 goals in their six games so far in this tournament - four of those came against Saudi Arabia in the group stages and three against Austria in their first knockout game.

Lamine Yamal came into the tournament on the back of a long injury lay-off and was used sparingly in the opening matches.

The hope is that he will come to the boil at just the right time for Spain...

Guillem Balague
Spanish football journalist

It felt like such a relief. It would've been so difficult to explain how you've been knocked out against a team [Belgium] that played in a way that benefited you - that gave you the ball and opportunities to shoot on goal.

The substitutions made the difference.

We [Spain] managed to get to the semi-finals without a moment of genius. Lamine is getting better, no doubt about it and he's trying hard. And without a miracle save either. It's just steady. Steadily got here and now they need much more than that to beat France. But it feels like a relief.

This was more or less what we all wanted, France v Spain in the semi-finals.

We asked you earlier whether Spain or France would make the final.

Our poll currently shows that 73% of you believe it will be France.

But in your messages, using the 'Get Involved' button, a case has been made for both sides...

Image source, Getty Images

Spain boss Luis de la Fuente speaking post-match: "It's the character of the team, the attitude that every person has, that allows this team to adapt in whatever situation or circumstance. I reiterate I am proud and honoured to lead such a dedicated team with drive to grow and improve against such a tough rival. I think we did enough to win a bit more easily but it was not possible. I repeat at this level, at the World Cup, we know how difficult it is to win."

On matchwinner Mikel Merino: "Mikel is incredible. He has many qualities. He is a player that across the whole World Cup could have played in whatever team and done great. For us he is the standard of this idea, of this model. It is a pleasure to have him, and others but especially him. We know that without fail he is always there."

On whether Spain have earned the right to beat France: "Of course, it is fair to say that we have to work to try to beat France. We are not going to get preoccupied by their level. This game is no different, it is one incredible team against another incredible team."

Gary Rose
BBC Sport journalist at Los Angeles Stadium

Spain have not enjoyed many good memories at the World Cup since winning their first and only title in 2010 as a group-stage exit in 2014 was followed by successive last-16 eliminations in 2018 and 2022.

However, manager Luis de la Fuente has built a side capable of competing at the highest level once again, with their Euro 2024 triumph evidence of their prowess.

So it was no surprise La Roja were among the pundits' World Cup favourites - and are just two wins away from the title.

But the fact remains they are yet to hit top gear at this tournament.

After edging Portugal 1-0 with an injury-time Mikel Merino winner, they were again sluggish in another last-gasp success.

Their defence, a major strength in this tournament, finally cracked, while Lamine Yamal has still yet to hit his stride.

Image source, Getty Images

Spain manager Luis de la Fuente will, of course, be hoping that his star players - especially Lamine Yamal - do show up at some point at this World Cup.

But is that doing players like Rodri and Pedri a disservice?

Spain had not conceded a single goal before their 2-1 quarter-final win over Belgium.

They are a solid unit, held together by assured performances by Pedri and Rodri at the base of the midfield.

Maybe that could be their star quality?

There is one thing for sure though, that solidity will be tested against France in the semi-final...

Stephen Warnock
Former England defender on BBC One

On Mikel Merino's winner:

It is a knack. It's a timing of runs that can't be taught. An understanding of where the ball might drop, the calmness, the composure.

We've seen it time and time again for Arsenal. We've heard Mikel Arteta say he trusts him to play centre-forward because he makes such brilliant runs. It's a calmness and a real skill set.

We keep on talking about what players bring to the squad and what they do and what their qualities are. Mikel Merino probably knows his is as an impact substitute. If they go on and win the World Cup now, how important was his contribution to that?

He's had less minutes than the star players but he's arguably had the biggest impact which is an incredible achievement.

Image source, Getty Images

Spain midfielder Mikel Merino speaking post-match: "Well, I'm just happy. I still don't really believe it. When it went into added time I was already thinking about extra time, and then it happens again. It appears that coincidences don't exist if you arrive prepared, and it fell to me again. I'm very happy.

"I hope it continues yes, I hope so, but we will see. To be two games away from a World Cup is a dream come true and we will keep going. It's something that unites the whole country, unites the whole world, because football is so beautiful. Everyone is watching these games so to be able to give joy to so many people, not only in Spain but in the rest of the world is an honour."

On facing France in the semi-final: "You can't ask for anything more than to be in the semi-finals. Two elite teams. Now we go forward with a lot of hunger and excitement to face France."

Wayne Rooney
Former England striker on BBC One

Mikel Merino is just one of those players who arrives at the right time, at the right moment in big games.

The details when you're a young defender, you're told to follow the ball in because this can happen.

Mistakes like that [Senne Lammens], and you're out of the tournament.

Gary Rose
BBC Sport journalist at Los Angeles Stadium

Spain took the lead with a fine move down the right as Pedro Porro exchanged passes with Lamine Yamal before delivering a cross that found Dani Olmo, whose initial effort was stopped by Belgium's starting goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.

But Paris St-Germain midfielder Fabian Ruiz, starting ahead of Pedri, drilled the rebound through the legs of Timothy Castagne to give the 2010 champions the lead their early dominance deserved.

Belgium drew level 11 minutes later as Charles de Ketelaere stole in front of Pau Cubarsi to power home Castagne's cross - ending Spain's remarkable run of 649 minutes without conceding at the 2026 World Cup.

Rudi Garcia's side wanted a penalty after the restart when Spain defender Aymeric Laporte headed a cross on to the arm of team-mate Rodri in the box, while Mikel Oyarzabal had a shot blocked by an alert Courtois.

But the Real Madrid keeper broke down in tears when he suffered what looked like a muscle injury and had to go off in the 71st minute.

It proved pivotal in the outcome as his replacement, Manchester United stopper Senne Lammens, came on for his third international appearance and was at fault when he failed to hold Cubarsi's shot and Mikel Merino pounced from close range.

As Belgium's campaign ended in heartbreak, Spain will now face France in only their second World Cup semi-final.

Right, in case you are just joining us, click here to watch the match highlights from Friday's quarter-final between Spain and Belgium, then we will have another look at where the match was won and lost...

Remember when the alarm bells were sounding after Spain were held to a goalless draw by minnows Cape Verde in their opening game?

Well Spain have since gone on to win their past five World Cup games, their longest winning streak in the competition since winning six in a row during the 2010 World Cup.

So let's repeat the question...

Could it be Spain's year again?

Thumbs up for yes, down for no.