Yamal: France Should Fear Spain in Semifinal
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- Lamine Yamal told reporters 'If France should fear anyone, it's us' after Spain beat Belgium 2-1 on Friday to set up Tuesday's semifinal against France, who beat Morocco 2-0 on Thursday.
- Mikel Merino scored in the 88th minute to eliminate Belgium, his second late winner of the knockout rounds after also netting late against Portugal.
- It will be Spain and France's third meeting in three years, with Spain having won both previous encounters — the Euro 2024 semifinal and the 2025 UEFA Nations League.
- Spain coach Luis de la Fuente acknowledged France's 'potential' but said 'we are able to beat France,' calling the semifinal 'very demanding' and 'energetic.'
- France is bidding for a third consecutive World Cup final after winning in 2018 and finishing as runners-up to Argentina in 2022, while Spain are in their first World Cup semifinal since lifting the 2010 title.
- Yamal, who turns 19 on Monday and has one goal in six tournament appearances, said 'every team we play sits back against us,' defending Spain's unconvincing form after a 0-0 group-stage draw with Cape Verde.
Why it matters: Spain's two recent wins over France give them a psychological edge heading into a semifinal where France are chasing a third straight World Cup final. For Yamal personally, the match is a chance to validate Spain's results-driven run against persistent criticism that their attacking play has been underwhelming — they have needed late winners in two straight knockout games.
