Spain focused on World Cup semifinal despite travel, players say

Spanish right-back Pedro Porro insists the national team is fully concentrated on their next match, brushing off concerns about extensive travel. "As for myself, I don't feel it much," Porro said at a media day in Dallas. "We travel day by day, we go up and down, we don't even look at how many kilometers we've covered. Now we've recovered for this match and we are focused at the maximum level for tomorrow's game."

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Now we've recovered for this match and we are focused at the maximum level for tomorrow's game.

Porro highlighted the significant role of head coach Luis de la Fuente, describing him as someone who has instilled a sense of family within the squad. "First of all, he instilled in us that we are a family," Porro explained. "He has always given me that confidence from the first minute. Whether you play or not, he makes you feel important. That says a lot about a person."

Reflecting on past World Cup semifinals, Porro admitted he was very young and watched from his hometown. His clearest memory is swimming in the town square's pool when Spain won the World Cup. "If it's my turn to play in a World Cup semifinal, it would be a dream come true. We will go out on the field for that," he stated.

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First of all, he instilled in us that we are a family. He has always given me that confidence from the first minute. Whether you play or not, he makes you feel important. That says a lot about a person.

Looking ahead to the semifinal against France, Porro anticipates a challenging but exciting match. "I don't think there's a favorite," he said. "I think both are great national teams. Tomorrow will be a very beautiful match, and also very difficult. Playing in a World Cup semifinal is always special. Whoever the opponent is, they will always be a good opponent because they have had a good tournament run to get here. Playing this match gives us extra motivation, especially against France, whom we know is one of the best teams in this World Cup. We will definitely be ready."

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If it's my turn to play in a World Cup semifinal, it would be a dream come true. We will go out on the field for that.

Teammate Alex Baena echoed Porro's sentiments, calling it a beautiful match between two top national teams. "Everything is in our favor, and I hope tomorrow will be the same," Baena commented, expressing a desire for Spain to win, regardless of the scoreline, but hoping they score most of the goals. Baena also praised young talent Lamine Yamal on his birthday, noting how easy he is to play with and how his talent will continue to shine.

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I don't think there's a favorite. I think both are great national teams. Tomorrow will be a very beautiful match, and also very difficult.