France respect Spain's quality but have no fear before World Cup semi-final: Players
Spain have conceded only one goal throughout the tournament as they seek a second World Cup title
France are not afraid of Spain ahead of their World Cup semi-final on Tuesday, defender Ibrahima Konate said on Sunday, although he acknowledged the quality of the Spanish side and their impressive defensive record.
Spain have conceded only one goal throughout the tournament as they seek a second World Cup title.
France, champions in 2018 and runners-up four years later, have recent experience against Spain after defeats in the Euro 2024 semi-finals and last year's Nations League semi-finals.
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"You cannot fear anyone," France centre-back Konate told a press conference. "We will now prepare as best as possible and hope the result in the end will favour us."
"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," said Konate, who made a substitute appearance in France's win over Norway in their final group match.
Dayot Upamecano and William Saliba have started at centre-back for France during the tournament as the pre-tournament favourites pursue a place in a fifth World Cup final.
France have reached four of the last seven World Cup finals. Victory over Spain would send them into the July 19 final in New York and continue comparisons with West Germany, who reached four World Cup finals between 1974 and 1990.
Konate said, however, that France were focused only on the task ahead.
"We are staying humble, we won't fall into that trap," he said.
France face the challenge of breaking down the tournament's stingiest defence while limiting the influence of winger Lamine Yamal, who has been one of Spain's standout performers.
"I would not say 'fear' but we are conscious of their quality," fellow centre-back Maxence 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."
Spain coach has praised Lamine for occupying defenders and creating space for his teammates with his movement on the wing.
"We will defend well, the best," Lacroix 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."
