India, July 14 -- France and Spain are set to renew one of international football's fiercest modern rivalries in the FIFA World Cup semi-final, but the mind games have already begun. In the days leading up to Tuesday's blockbuster in Dallas, several members of the Spanish camp have made bold public statements, reminding France of their recent dominance in this fixture. Les Bleus, however, have refused to engage, insisting their only response will come on the pitch as they chase a third consecutive World Cup final.

For much of this tournament, France have been labelled the team to beat. Spain never quite bought into that narrative. Why would they? La Roja have beaten Didier Deschamps' side twice in the last two years - 2-1 in the Euro 202...