Koundé: No 'lack of respect' in Yamal's France jib...
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- Jules Koundé said Monday that Lamine Yamal's post-quarterfinal comments telling France to fear Spain showed "confidence" from his Barcelona teammate, not disrespect, and framed the remarks as "extra motivation."
- France (FIFA No. 1) meets Spain (FIFA No. 3) on Tuesday in Arlington, Texas, in a rematch of the 2024 European Championship semifinal that Spain won 2-1 en route to the trophy, with Yamal having scored in that game.
- Adrien Rabiot said France has "no specific plan for Yamal" and will defend Spain collectively, citing their possession, front line, and play "in small places near the box" as the broader threats.
- Koundé noted both teams "like to have the ball" and warned "against Spain you can't leave the ball for 90 minutes," even as France enters with 16 goals in six World Cup games — eight from Kylian Mbappé.
- Yamal told reporters Monday he stood by his original remarks: "They asked me if I was afraid of France and I said no. We're European champions."
- Koundé said the team will carry "mixed emotions" playing on July 14 — France's Bastille Day and the anniversary of the 2016 Nice terrorist attack that killed 86 people — and wants "to make the French people proud."
- The winner advances to Sunday's final in East Rutherford, New Jersey, against either England or Argentina.
Why it matters: With a spot in Sunday's final against England or Argentina at stake, this semifinal pits the tournament's top two FIFA-ranked teams against each other just one year after Spain edged France 2-1 in the Euro semifinal. The tactical contrast — both sides prioritizing possession — means whichever team controls the ball for longer likely decides a matchup featuring France's 16-goal attack and Yamal-led Spain.
