Yamal: France should fear Spain in their much-anticipated semi-final

INGLEWOOD, California (AP):
Lamine Yamal thinks France should be afraid of Spain with the European giants headed to a World Cup semi-final showdown on Tuesday.
“I believe if France have to fear anyone, it should be us, in my opinion,” the teenage sensation told broadcast reporters after Spain beat Belgium 2-1 yesterday to secure their first semi-final berth since 2010. “We were the ones who knocked them out before.”
Spain beat France in the 2024 European Championship semi-finals and again in Nations League play last year. Yamal became the youngest player to score in the continental competition.
The powerhouses meet again at the home stadium of the Dallas Cowboys next week for a spot in the final.
“We don’t fear anyone,” said Yamal, who was named the man of the match against Belgium. “It’s clear that we are two great teams, world-class national teams, and for me they are one of the best. We’ll see what happens.”
Spain advanced on a winning goal by substitute Mikel Merino in the 88th minute of the quarterfinals at SoFi Stadium. La Roja conceded its only goal of the entire World Cup late in the first half against Belgium, while France have piled up 16 goals in  their six World Cup matches.
France have made the past two World Cup finals, winning it all in 2018. Spain have made only one World Cup final in their history, but the current team is unbeaten in 37 consecutive competitive matches since March 2023 – a stretch that also includes a loss on penalties to Portugal in the Nations League final last year.
Spain coach Luis de la Fuente has been asked by the international media about this potential showdown with France throughout the tournament, but particularly since the start of the knockout rounds two weeks ago. He has been uniformly complimentary of Les Bleus while echoing his own players’ confidence.
“Let me be clear: We are not finished,” de la Fuente said. “We are pleased to be in the semi-finals, but we want more. ... We are capable of winning this game, and not just now, but I would have said this a few weeks ago as well.”
Yamal, who turns 19 on Monday, has only one goal and no assists while putting 10 shots on target in his first World Cup, but his playmaking and activity down the right side of Spain’s attack have been noticeable in almost every match.