Spain forward Lamine Yamal says his side will approach their FIFA World Cup semi-final against France without fear after securing a 2-1 quarter-final victory over Belgium.
The clash in Dallas brings together two of the tournament’s strongest teams, with France chasing a third consecutive FIFA World Cup final appearance while Spain aim to continue their recent dominance over Les Bleus, having won their last two meetings.
“There are two possibilities: either they reach three World Cup finals in a row, or we beat them three times. I don’t know what might happen, but we’re not afraid at all,” Yamal said after Spain’s victory, a Friday report on the FIFA website disclosed this.
“I’m really happy with the win. Back in the semi-finals again. That’s what we came here for – to play these matches and win them. Now it’s time to rest and start thinking about the match against France.”
Yamal was named the Superior Player of the Match following another influential display as Mikel Merino’s late winner sealed Spain’s place in the last four.
Team success remains Yamal’s priority
Despite scoring only once at the tournament so far, the 18-year-old said his focus remains on helping Spain rather than pursuing individual statistics.
“Obviously I wanted to score because it helps the team, but I don’t go out onto the pitch thinking about that. If I win the World Cup, I don’t think anyone’s going to remember how many goals I’ve scored or missed.”
“If we win, we’ll all be happy. If I win the player of the match award, all the better, but above all, I want the team to win.”
Yamal also highlighted the value of his movement off the ball, saying it creates opportunities for his teammates even when he is not directly involved in a move.
“I know that my runs draw in a lot of opponents and that I can leave a team-mate unmarked. The important thing is that we’ve come here to win, and anything I can do to help – even if I don’t touch the ball in a move – will be a good thing.”
The Spain winger also dismissed concerns about his goal return by pointing to the team’s success.
“I think the whole goal business has got into everyone’s heads, and we won the European Championship with me scoring just one goal. I only scored one goal then, and I’ve already scored one this time. They can rest easy.”
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