France secures a 1-0 victory over Paraguay, with Kylian Mbappé's decisive goal in the 70th minute stemming from a well-executed set piece. Dominating possession with 76%, France effectively controlled the match, limiting Paraguay's opportunities and capitalizing on their set-piece prowess to clinch the win.

England win the bronze medal in a stunning 6-4 victory after leading 4-0 at halftime, surviving a ferocious French comeback led by Mbappé — who broke the all-time World Cup scoring record — before Saka's hat-trick penalty and Bellingham's late strike sealed the greatest third-place match ever played.

France have scored 16 goals — and conceded just 4 — across seven matches, yet their first tournament defeat to Spain exposed a finishing vulnerability that England may look to exploit. England have won five of seven, with Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane sharing 12 goals between them, but conceded eight times — twice as many as France. Both teams score heavily from the second half onward. Both arrive wounded. Sportami identifies the patterns that will shape the World Cup's third-place playoff.

Spain secures a comfortable 2-0 victory over France, with Mikel Oyarzabal's decisive goal in the 22nd minute setting the tone. Despite an equal number of shots at 10 each, Spain's clinical finishing and tactical discipline ensure their dominance, while France struggles to convert opportunities into goals.

France are unbeaten with six wins. Spain are unbeaten with five wins and a draw. Identical shot volumes. Opposite scoring rhythms. France's shot production has increased through the knockout rounds while their finishing efficiency has declined. Spain, meanwhile, have directed a much larger share of their attempts on target. Sportami computes the patterns traditional previews rarely uncover.