France players dismiss Spanish fears ahead of World Cup semifinal

As France prepares to face Spain in a highly anticipated World Cup semifinal, French defenders Ibrahima Konaté and Maxence Lacroix have responded to comments made by Spanish player Lamine Yamal. Yamal had suggested that France should fear Spain, a statement the French players addressed with a mix of confidence and respect.

Konaté, speaking at a press conference, acknowledged Yamal's remarks with a laugh before stating, "Honestly, we don't listen to what is being said. You shouldn't be afraid of anyone and shouldn't fall into that trap at this stage of the competition. He (Yamal) can say what he wants; we will prepare as best as possible and hope the result is in our favor."

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Honestly, we don't listen to what is being said. You shouldn't be afraid of anyone and shouldn't fall into that trap at this stage of the competition. He (Yamal) can say what he wants; we will prepare as best as possible and hope the result is in our favor.

Lacroix echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the team's awareness of their own strengths. "I'm not going to say we're afraid because we are aware of our qualities," he said. "Spain also has many. All opponents, whom we respect, have them at this stage of the competition. Our goal is to win and advance to the final. Let's stay focused."

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I'm not going to say we're afraid because we are aware of our qualities. Spain also has many. All opponents, whom we respect, have them at this stage of the competition. Our goal is to win and advance to the final. Let's stay focused.

Both players stressed that the focus should be on the entire Spanish team, not just Yamal. Konaté noted, "Spain is an exceptional nation, and we shouldn't focus on one player in particular. There are many individuals, because it's a nation with other qualities. The entire team can be dangerous; it's not just Lamine. We will have to be serious."

The match carries historical weight, with France having lost their last two encounters against Spain, including a 2-1 defeat in the Euro semifinals in 2024 and a dramatic 5-4 loss in the 2025 Nations League semifinals. Konaté was part of the French defense in the latter match, recalling the difficulties faced by a team with little prior cohesion.

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Spain is an exceptional nation, and we shouldn't focus on one player in particular. There are many individuals, because it's a nation with other qualities. The entire team can be dangerous; it's not just Lamine. We will have to be serious.