Birthday present for Spain’s Yamal? World Cup semifinal win over France
Yamal wants to celebrate his 19th birthday by taking Spain to the World Cup final in New York. Lamine Yamal insists he would take no
Yamal wants to celebrate his 19th birthday by taking Spain to the World Cup final in New York. Lamine Yamal insists he would take no fear into Spain’s World Cup semifinal against France when both sides meet after he celebrated his 19th birthday. The Barcelona prodigy raised eyebrows following Spain’s 2-1 quarterfinal defeat of Belgium last week after being quoted as saying that France rather than Spain ought to be “afraid” given recent defeats against La Roja. A relaxed-looking Yamal addressed those comments as he spoke to reporters on Monday at a press conference. “I was asked if I was afraid of France, and I said no,” Yamal explained. “We are European champions. It’s simply football,” the teenager explained. Yamal said he had marked his 19th birthday by buying a chunky jewel-encrusted necklace he wore to his press conference. The real birthday present, though, would be a place in Sunday’s World Cup final. “I haven’t received many gifts yet. The best gift would be a win on Tuesday and a trip to New York,” he said. While other stars at this World Cup have been in blistering goal-scoring form, Yamal so far has only found the net once during the tournament – but is ready to add to his tally against France.
“I don’t focus on goals, but it’s always special to score in a match like this. I accept the challenge. That’s why I came here,” Yamal said, promising a “beautiful match for the spectators”. “It’s the game everyone was waiting for,” he added. While acknowledging the momentous nature of Tuesday’s game, Yamal remained laid-back in his approach. “There are far more difficult situations in life than a football match, so I’m calm,” he said. “I don’t feel any extra pressure; I’ll go out and play like always and give my all for the team.” ‘We’ve known each other for a while’ Spain coach Luis de la Fuente says his team plan to go on the “front foot” against tournament favourites France when they face off in a heavyweight semifinal showdown. De la Fuente’s Spain will attempt to impose their possession-based game on France in what is shaping up as a gripping clash of styles. While France coach Didier Deschamps insists Spain remain favourites for the World Cup, betting markets overwhelmingly back France to clinch a second title in three attempts. Les Bleus have powered into the last four with a scintillating brand of attacking football based around such talents as Kylian Mbappe, Michael Olise and Ousmane Dembele. But De la Fuente, whose team have beaten France in their last two meetings, is quietly plotting another ambush at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on Tuesday.
The BriefWire