Lamine Yamal believes France ought to be extra apprehensive than Spain forward of a detailed World Cup semi-final.
La Roja defeated Belgium 2-1 in Los Angeles, with Mikel Merino coming off the bench to attain the profitable aim once more to advance to the ultimate 4.
That is the second time Spain has reached the semi-finals of the World Cup, having gained in South Africa in 2010.
In addition they have the longest unbeaten streak in staff historical past, having averted dropping in any of their previous 36 video games since dropping 1-0 to Colombia in March 2024 (W27 D9).
Spain will face France for a spot within the closing, however Yamal insists the European champions don’t have any purpose to concern.
“If there’s anybody to concern, it is them. We excluded them (from Euro 2024 and the 2024-25 Nations League),” Yamal mentioned.
“We’re two nice groups, two of the most effective groups in my view, however I am not afraid.”
And Spain coach Luis de la Fuente, who has managed extra matches unbeaten than some other World Cup and Euros supervisor (13 matches, wins, 12 losses, 1 loss), agrees with Yamal.
“It is pure to suppose we’ll attempt to beat them, however I believe they’re simply as apprehensive,” de la Fuente mentioned of France.
“We’re the one staff to beat them two video games in a row. It is an incredible staff taking part in one other nice staff.”
2 – Mikel Merino is the primary participant in FIFA World Cup historical past to attain the profitable aim instead in two completely different knockout stage matches.
Reliable. pic.twitter.com/iBlLgEJt4m
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) July 10, 2026
The one two situations wherein a participant scored the profitable aim for Spain instead within the knockout levels of a World Cup have been in Monday’s last-16 match between Merino and Portugal and Friday’s quarter-final match between Merino and Belgium.
Merino can be the primary participant in World Cup historical past to attain the profitable aim instead in two matches within the knockout stage.
Requested concerning the Arsenal midfielder, de la Fuente mentioned: “He is unbelievable, he has numerous virtues, he is world class.”
“He can play for any staff and we’re fortunate to have him. Every time we’d like him, we all know he’ll be there.”
