France target Spain upset in World Cup semi-final

WALTHAM: France’s defenders said on Sunday they are approaching Tuesday’s World Cup semi-final against Spain with respect rather than fear, as they prepare to face a side that has let in only one goal in the tournament.

Spain have advanced to the last four while chasing a second World Cup title, with the competition’s most effective defence. France, the 2018 champions and runners-up four years later, are also familiar with their opponents after defeats to Spain in the Euro 2024 semi-finals and last year’s Nations League semi-finals.

Speaking at a press conference, France centre-back Ibrahima Konate said the team would focus on preparing well rather than dwelling on the challenge in front of them.

"You cannot fear anyone."

Konate said. He added:

We will now prepare as best as possible and hope the result in the end will favour us.

Konate also said France would not build their plan around stopping a single player, even with Spain winger Lamine Yamal attracting significant attention.

Spain are an exceptional team, with a lot of individual quality, so we won’t be focusing on just one player even though Lamine (Yamal) is a great player.

he said.

France keeping focus on task ahead

Konate made only a brief substitute appearance in France’s win over Norway in their final group match, while Dayot Upamecano and William Saliba have been the regular starting central defenders as the tournament favourites pursue what would be a fifth World Cup final.

France have reached four of the last seven World Cup finals. A place in the July 19 final in New York would further strengthen comparisons with West Germany, which reached four finals between 1974 and 1990.

Konate, however, said the squad were not looking beyond the semi-final.

"We are staying humble, we won’t fall into that trap."

he said.

Spain’s defence and Lamine pose key threats

France will need to break down a Spanish backline that has conceded just once so far, while also limiting the threat of Lamine on the wing. The Spain winger has been praised by his coach for occupying defenders and creating room for teammates.

France defender Maxence Lacroix said Spain’s results and player quality demanded respect, while making clear France still intend to advance.

I would not say ‘fear’ but we are conscious of their quality.

Lacroix said.

They have won all their matches (except a 0-0 draw against Cape Verde in the group), so we respect them. They have high quality players but we want to win.

Lacroix also said France were ready for the defensive work required against Lamine.

"We will defend well, the best."

he said.

Lamine is a very good player and he has shown he can hurt teams at this World Cup. We will do the work that is needed.