France and Spain will meet in a strong clash in the World Cup semi-final in North America on Tuesday in Dallas, where 'Les Bleus' seek to reach the third consecutive final, while 'La Roja' still aspires to complete their achievement in Euro 2024 by winning the biggest titles.

Ahead of that match, the sports section of 'Agence France-Presse' reviews five of the most prominent previous encounters between the two teams:

Arconada's costly mistake, France's first continental title

Euro 1984 final: France - Spain 2-0 The first competitive meeting between the two European neighbors came in the Euro 1984 final in Paris, where the French team led by Michel Platini won the first continental title in its history.

The match was decided at the Parc des Princes thanks to a free kick by Platini just under an hour into the game; Spain's goalkeeper Luis Arconada mishandled it, letting it slip through his hands into the net, giving France the lead.

That was Platini's ninth goal in five matches of the tournament, and it paved the way for victory, despite the late red card for Yvon Le Roux, before Bruno Bellon confirmed the supremacy.

France was crowned champion of Europe, while Spain did not reach another final until winning the continental title in 2008.

French uprising in Hanover

2006 World Cup Round of 16: Spain - France 1-3 The only meeting between the two teams in the World Cup before this year came in Germany 2006, in the Round of 16 in Hanover.

Spain had topped its group with three wins, while France qualified with difficulty as runner-up after two draws with Switzerland and South Korea. Spain opened the scoring through David Villa from a penalty, but Franck Ribery equalized before halftime, then Patrick Vieira put France ahead approaching extra time, before Zinedine Zidane sealed the win.

France later lost the final on penalties to Italy, while Spain left empty-handed, before making up for it by winning the 2010 World Cup between the Euro 2008 and 2012 titles.

Mbappe decides the Nations League

2021 Nations League final: Spain - France 1-2 The two teams met again in the 2021 Nations League final in Milan, in front of a limited crowd due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Spain took the lead through Mikel Oyarzabal after an hour of play, but Karim Benzema, recently returned to the national team after a long absence, equalized with an assist from Kylian Mbappe, then the latter scored the winner, giving France their second title under coach Didier Deschamps after the 2018 World Cup.

Yamal's rocket goal

Euro 2024 semi-final: Spain - France 2-1 The French team was different in Euro 2024, reaching the semi-finals with only three goals in five matches, one of which was a penalty and the other two own goals.

Randal Kolo Muani opened the scoring, becoming the first French player to score from open play in the tournament, but Lamine Yamal equalized with a stunning shot four days before his 17th birthday. Dani Olmo added the winner minutes later, before Spain went on to beat England in the final.

A thrilling nine-goal match

2025 Nations League semi-final: Spain - France 5-4 France was beginning to transform into a more entertaining team when the two teams met in the Nations League semi-final last June in Stuttgart. Spain took a 4-0 lead early in the second half through Nico Williams, Mikel Merino, a penalty from Lamine Yamal, and Pedri. Kylian Mbappe reduced the deficit from a penalty, then Yamal added the fifth goal, before France fought back through Rayan Cherki and Randal Kolo Muani, with an own goal from Dani Vivian in between, making the score closer.

Spain later lost the final on penalties to Portugal. They also won 5-3 in the football final of the 2024 Olympic Games, with the participation of Manu Kone, Michael Olise, Jean-Philippe Mateta, Desire Doue, Rayan Cherki, Pau Cubarsi, and Alex Baena, all of whom are candidates to participate this time as well.