France ready to fight Spain for midfield control in World Cup semi-final

DALLAS, TX, July 13 : France will not willingly surrender possession to Spain in Tuesday’s World Cup semi-final, coach Didier Deschamps said, with Aurelien Tchouameni available again as the teams prepare for a potentially decisive battle in midfield.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 severa