France insist they will not fear Spain when the two European heavyweights meet in Tuesday’s FIFA World Cup semi-final, although Les Bleus fully recognise the quality awaiting them in Dallas.
Spain have looked the tournament’s most complete side. They have conceded only one goal on their way to the last four and now stand one victory away from reaching the World Cup final.
France know exactly what to expect. Spain beat them in the Euro 2024 semi-finals before repeating the feat in last year’s UEFA Nations League semi-final.
Even so, Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate believes fear has no place in a World Cup knockout match.
“You cannot fear anyone,” Konate told reporters.
“We will now prepare as best as possible and hope the result in the end will favour us.”
Konate also refused to single out teenage star Lamine Yamal despite the winger’s growing influence.
“Spain are an exceptional team, with a lot of individual quality, so we won’t be focusing on just one player even though Lamine is a great player,” he said.
France have built their own success on defensive stability. Dayot Upamecano and William Saliba have started at centre-back throughout the tournament, while Konate has provided experienced cover from the bench.
Victory over Spain would send France into a fifth World Cup final and a fourth appearance in the tournament’s showpiece since 2006. Only West Germany enjoyed a comparable run by reaching four finals between 1974 and 1990.
Konate, however, insisted nobody inside the France camp was looking beyond Tuesday’s challenge.
“We are staying humble. We won’t fall into that trap,” he said.
Spain’s attack presents another demanding examination. Lamine has stretched defences throughout the tournament with his pace and movement, creating space for teammates as well as producing moments of individual brilliance.
Crystal Palace defender Maxence Lacroix admitted France respect Spain’s achievements but remains confident they can end their unbeaten run.
“I would not say ‘fear’ but we are conscious of their quality,” Lacroix said.
“They have won all their matches except a draw against Cape Verde, so we respect them. They have high quality players but we want to win.”
Lacroix also backed France’s defence to cope with Lamine’s threat.
“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.”
France now face their toughest test yet against a Spain side chasing a second World Cup crown.
