New Delhi, July 12 -- After 100 matches, 292 goals (the best rate of goalscoring since the 1970 World Cup), 537 saves, the miracle of Cape Verde, Japan's captivating geometric beauty and far-too-early exit, the tears of Ronaldo, the heartbreak of Egypt, the daring of Morocco, Norway's viking row and the golden mane of Erling Haaland, Lionel Messi's mystical goalscoring voodoo, France's otherworldly artistry, blatant rule-bending from Fifa, and politics and partying on the streets, the great juggernaut of the World Cup has been distilled down to the last four teams standing.

France, the finalists of the 2022 World Cup and the world's top-ranked team will meet Spain in the semis, the European champions, a team that, with their victory over...