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De la Fuente: Lamine Yamal's 'big day' is coming, possibly in the World Cup semifinal or final
🇵🇾 Paraguay /Sports

De la Fuente: Lamine Yamal's 'big day' is coming, possibly in the World Cup semifinal or final

From ABC Color · () Spanish

Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • Spain coach Luis de la Fuente believes star player Lamine Yamal's "big day" at the World Cup is imminent, potentially in the semifinal or final.
  • De la Fuente dismissed France coach Didier Deschamps's assessment of Spain as favorites, stating that such labels mean nothing in a match between two strong teams.
  • Spain is well-prepared for France, acknowledging their exceptional players while emphasizing their own strengths and tactical approach, focusing on controlling the game and guarding against fast transitions.

Spain's national team coach, Luis de la Fuente, expressed confidence that young sensation Lamine Yamal is on the verge of a significant performance at the World Cup. "Lamine's big day is yet to come, and I hope it is tomorrow, and if not, in the final," De la Fuente stated during a press conference, looking ahead to the semifinal match.

Lamine's big day is yet to come, and I hope it is tomorrow, and if not, in the final.

— Luis de la Fuenteexpressing anticipation for the young player's breakthrough performance.

Responding to comments from French coach Didier Deschamps, who had labeled Spain as the tournament favorite, De la Fuente downplayed the significance of such designations. "For me, being told you are the favorite means nothing. We are facing two great teams, and it doesn't add any extra pressure. Being a favorite or not is irrelevant," he asserted.

For me, being told you are the favorite means nothing. We are facing two great teams, and it doesn't add any extra pressure. Being a favorite or not is irrelevant.

— Luis de la Fuentedismissing the label of favorites ahead of the semifinal match.

De la Fuente revealed that Spain has thoroughly studied their upcoming opponent, France. "We have France very well studied. They have exceptional footballers, but so do we. The key is to try to impose our characteristics on them," the Spanish strategist explained. He added that his team would focus on controlling the game with their style while remaining vigilant against France's rapid transitions.

We have France very well studied. They have exceptional footballers, but so do we. The key is to try to impose our characteristics on them.

— Luis de la Fuentediscussing Spain's preparation and strategy against France.

The Spanish squad is preparing to face France in what is anticipated to be a closely contested semifinal. De la Fuente's remarks underscore a blend of respect for the opponent and strong self-belief in his team's ability to execute their game plan and advance in the tournament.

In any case, we will be very attentive to them (winning duels, with help) and being protagonists with our style and be careful with their transitions, which are very fast.

— Luis de la Fuentedetailing tactical considerations for the match against France.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by ABC Color in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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