Fifa World Cup: Spain star Lamine Yamal warns France to be afraid for semi-final clash
European powerhouses set for Dallas meeting after Mikel Merino strikes late to seal Spain victory over Belgium
Lamine Yamal thinks France should be afraid of Spain with the European giants heading for a World Cup semi-final showdown on Tuesday.
“I believe if France has to fear anyone, it should be us, in my opinion,” the teenage winger told broadcast reporters after Spain beat Belgium 2-1 on Friday to reach the last four for the first time since 2010. “We were the ones who knocked them out before.”
Spain beat France in the 2024 European Championship semi-finals and again in the Nations League last year.
The powerhouses will renew hostilities 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 overcame Belgium in Los Angeles following an 88th-minute winning goal from Mikel Merino, who had been on the field for only 117 seconds after replacing Dani Olmo. Luis de la Fuente’s team conceded for the first time in this World Cup when Charles de Ketelaere headed an equaliser late in the first half, while France have scored 16 times in their six matches.
