Lamine Yamal thinks France should fear Spain as the European giants head into Tuesday’s World Cup semi-final.
“I believe if France has to fear anyone, it should be us, in my opinion,” the young winger told reporters after Spain beat Belgium 2-1 on Friday to reach the last four for the first time since 2010. “We were the ones who knocked them out before.”
Spain beat France in the semi-finals of the 2024 European Championship and again in the Nations League last year.
The champions will resume the rivalry at the home field of the Dallas Cowboys next week for a place in the finals.
“We are not afraid of anyone,” said Yamal, who was named man of the match against Belgium. “Obviously we are two big teams, world-class national teams, and for me it is one of the best. We will see what happens.”
Spain beat Belgium in Los Angeles following an 88th-minute winner from Mikel Merino, who was on the pitch just 117 seconds after replacing Dani Olmo. Luis de la Fuente’s side conceded for the first time at the World Cup when Charles de Ketelaere headed home an equalizer late in the first half, as France scored 16 times in their six matches.
