Yamal warns France to ‘worry Spain’ forward of World Cup semi-final

Lamine Yamal says France ought to be the group feeling the stress forward of Tuesday’s World Cup semi-final after insisting Spain don’t have anything to worry from Didier Deschamps’ facet.

Spain booked their place within the final 4 because of Mikel Merino’s late winner in opposition to Belgium, whereas France overcame Morocco to proceed their bid for a 3rd consecutive World Cup last look.

The 2 European heavyweights will meet in Arlington subsequent week.

Spain have loved latest success in opposition to France, knocking them out of Euro 2024 and the Nations League in 2025, and Yamal believes that historical past ought to give his facet confidence.

“If France ought to worry anybody, it’s us,” the Barcelona winger mentioned after Spain’s victory over Belgium.

“Now we have knocked them out earlier than. Now we have beat them two occasions.

“Truthfully, I feel we’re the 2 finest groups on the World Cup, so we’ll see what occurs, however we would not have any worry.”

De la Fuente assured Spain can ship

Spain coach Luis de la Fuente echoed Yamal’s confidence however acknowledged the dimensions of the problem awaiting his group in Texas.

France are in search of a 3rd successive World Cup last after profitable the competitors in 2018 and ending runners-up to Argentina 4 years later.

“The expectations are very, very excessive for the subsequent sport,” De la Fuente mentioned.

“We’re targeting this subsequent sport and really effectively conscious of the potential of our opponent on the subsequent sport.

“But in addition we’re very clear that we’re capable of beat France.

“Now we have the standard and it’s a semi-final once more. We’ve had a semi-final in opposition to them. We have been profitable.

“The sport might be very demanding. It’ll be energetic. We’ll must have the most effective model of ourselves.”

Spain nonetheless looking for high gear

Regardless of reaching the semi-finals, Spain have but to totally persuade in the course of the event.

After opening with a goalless draw in opposition to Cape Verde, they secured victories over Saudi Arabia and Uruguay to high their group earlier than seeing off Austria within the Spherical of 32.

Their quarter-final route proved extra dramatic, with Merino scoring late winners in opposition to each Portugal and Belgium to maintain Spain’s hopes alive.

Yamal believes opponents’ defensive ways have prevented Spain from displaying their finest soccer.

“It could appear as if we’re not taking part in nice, however each group we play sits again in opposition to us,” he mentioned.

“Nobody has gone toe-to-toe with us, however ultimately we obtained the win once more at the moment. That’s an important factor.

“We’re actually comfortable to be within the semi-final. We’ve been right here for a very long time now and we need to keep till the ultimate.”