World Cup Semi-Finalists Compared: Stats, Strengths and Weaknesses

With the World Cup semi-finals approaching, Argentina, England, France and Spain are just two games from glory. A detailed statistical analysis of their performances so far reveals distinct strengths and weaknesses for each side.

Attack: France Lead, Argentina Most Clinical

Reigning champions Argentina have scored the most goals (17), but France have been the best attacking side overall. The French average the most goals per 90 minutes, have the joint-most shots, and the highest Expected Goals (xG) per 90. Argentina have been the most clinical, converting 18% of their chances, while Spain have been wasteful: despite taking as many shots as France (110), they have scored only 11 goals — almost a goal per game fewer.

England have been less creative than the other three when considering both the number and quality of shots, but still average more than two goals per game thanks to clinical finishing from Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane.

Defense: Spain Solid, France Stingy

Spain have been the most solid defensive side, conceding only their first goal of the tournament in the quarter-final victory against Belgium. France have conceded just two goals in six games. The semi-final between France and Spain will pit a formidable attack against a resolute defense.

In contrast, the other semi-final between England and Argentina features two sides that have each conceded six goals. England have given up the most chances, while Argentina have been the least successful at keeping opponents out.

Work Rate and Possession: Spain the Hardest Workers

Argentina have covered the most ground (706.5 km), but that is because they have played more football due to extra time. When adjusted for playing time, they have run the least and made the fewest sprints of the four semi-finalists. They have been out-run by opponents in every game and are the least aggressive in pressing, winning the ball high up the pitch less often than England, France and Spain.

Spain have been the hardest-working team, running, sprinting and pressing the most. They also enjoy the highest possession (66%) — the best of any team at the tournament — and share the joint-best passing accuracy with Argentina (90.4%). All four sides are proficient passers.

Key Threats: Messi's Through Balls vs England's Aerial Prowess

Argentina's Lionel Messi has played more through balls (15) than any other player at the World Cup, posing a threat that England's defenders must neutralize. Conversely, England have been the most successful with open-play crosses among the semi-finalists, finding a teammate with one in every four. They have scored the joint-most headed goals (four) and taken the most headed shots (24) of any team. Argentina have the worst aerial duel success rate of the final four, which could give England an edge in the air.

While only two players have dribbled past opponents more than Messi, his teammates have rarely attempted similar dribbles.