Spain’s young star Lamine Yamal turned 19 on Monday, and the way he spoke at the pre-semifinal press conference against France in Dallas showed a mental maturity beyond his years. Asked whether France were afraid of Spain, Yamal seemed to throw down a direct challenge to the French, declaring plainly: “We are the champions of Europe, we fear no one.”
Yamal had earlier said France had enough reason to fear Spain. Asked about it again at the press conference, he said without hesitation: “I was asked whether I fear France, and I said no. We are the champions of Europe. On the football pitch we fear no one. How they interpret that comment is up to them.” France’s Jules Kounde chose not to give Yamal’s remarks much importance, saying somewhat dismissively, “I know what Yamal is like.” But there is no doubt that Yamal’s confidence before kickoff is a major source of pressure for the French defence.
At this World Cup, however, Yamal has scored just one goal in six matches — against Saudi Arabia in the group stage — with no assists, and many critics say he is not at his best on the big stage. Brushing aside that criticism, Yamal said: “If they think I am not at my best, then it is better not to expect anything from me in Tuesday’s match. This is the most important match of my career. We are all dreaming of becoming world champions like in 2010. Why can’t we?” Statistics show Yamal has always been devastating against France in big semifinals, scoring against them in the Euro 2024 semifinal and a brace in the Nations League semifinal.
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