Spain's coach confident ahead of World Cup semifinal against France

Spain's national football team coach Luis de la Fuente is brimming with confidence ahead of their World Cup semifinal clash against France, asserting that his team has the tactical prowess to overcome their formidable opponents. "We have won the last two matches against France with our style," De la Fuente declared, highlighting Spain's recent successes against the French.

“

We have won the last two matches against France with our style.

Addressing the challenge posed by France's speed, spearheaded by Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembelé, De la Fuente outlined Spain's strategy. "They are very comfortable with speed, so we have to continue proposing our control," he explained. While acknowledging Spain's tendency to expose themselves defensively, he praised his team's "spectacular" defensive line and their pursuit of balance. "We know France's strengths, but we have to be faithful. We don't die with our ideas: if something needs to change, it will change," the coach added, indicating a willingness to adapt.

“

They are very comfortable with speed, so we have to continue proposing our control.

De la Fuente, who previously managed various Spanish youth teams, believes that the tournament's best performance from young sensation Lamine Yamal is still on the horizon. "Lamine's best game is yet to come in this World Cup," he stated. The 19-year-old Barcelona prodigy is "tremendously motivated" and eager to play, though De la Fuente noted the need to manage his anxiety. "It's a process of experience and maturity... He is in the process and we talk about it a lot. He is going to be a player who will leave a good mark between now and the end of the World Cup."

“

We know France's strengths, but we have to be faithful. We don't die with our ideas: if something needs to change, it will change.

The coach also shared his optimism regarding Nico Williams' fitness and impact. The Athletic Bilbao winger, who faced physical difficulties and sustained an injury during the group stage, is nearing full recovery. "It's the process we had planned. The other day it was seen that he was starting to gain fluidity," De la Fuente said. "We needed the psychological aspect of the players in these matches. When you come from a long injury, what the player needs is confidence. Nico's last training sessions have been extraordinary."

“

Lamine's best game is yet to come in this World Cup.