agency. Spain’s young star Lamin Yamal says he doesn’t feel any pressure ahead of Tuesday’s Dallas World Cup semi-final clash with France. He said he was enthusiastically accepting the biggest challenge of his career.
Spain are aiming to reach the final of the FIFA World Cup for the first time since winning the World Cup in South Africa in 2010.
France are looking to reach a third successive World Cup final after winning the World Cup in 2018 and finishing runners-up in 2022.
Although the importance of the game is huge, Yamal made it clear that he was not under any pressure.”We know how to deal with difficult situations,” Yamal said in a pre-match press conference, according to FIFA.
Speaking of pressure, I don’t feel any pressure. “
Barcelona forward Yamal acknowledged criticism of his recent performance and said the semi-finals were the best opportunity for him to do well.
“You guys say I’m not in a great rhythm right now,” he said. So don’t expect too much from me. But I’m sure this day will be special. It will be the most important game of my life. I’m very happy to be here. We’re all excited, and I’m the most excited. Without a doubt, this is the most important game of my career. Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente praised the calm mentality of his youngsters and said the team had been able to balance responsibility and the joy of the game throughout the tournament.
European champions Spain are getting stronger as the tournament progresses.
They played out a goalless draw with Cape Verde in their opening group stage but then finished top of Group H with victories over Austria, Portugal and Belgium in the knockout stage. In the last two knockout matches, Mikel Merino scored the decisive goal in the last minute.
Since March 2024, Spain have not lost 36 games in a row.
If the match against France is unbeaten in regular time, Spain will equal Italy’s all-time record of 37 consecutive unbeaten matches.
De La Fuente urged his players to enjoy the opportunity to play on world football’s biggest stage, recalling the feeling of leading Spain to its first World Cup title in 2010.”I’m a very emotional person,” he said with a smile.
I like Julio Iglesias. So how can I not be romantic?”
France, on the other hand, advanced to the semi-finals in excellent form.
Didier Deschamps’ side won all three group games and beat Sweden, Paraguay and Morocco in the knockout stages to reach the last four.
With this match, Deschamps will lead France to a record-breaking 26th FIFA World Cup as head coach. The past competitive history for Spain is also encouraging.
Spain has won 18 of the 38 meetings between the two teams. Spain have won seven of their last 10 meetings, including reaching the semi-finals of UEFA Euro 2024 and the semi-finals of the 2025 UEFA Nations League Finals.
The much-awaited clash between Spain’s fearless youth team and France, which has a history of experience, consistency and success in international football, will be a thrilling match for the FIFA World Cup 2026.
(ANI)
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