Spain's Yamal unfazed by France, coach invokes Caesar for World Cup semifinal

Spanish forward Lamine Yamal has declared he does not fear France ahead of the 2026 World Cup semifinal clash. The young Barcelona player clarified his earlier statement, explaining it was a response to journalists' questions. Yamal, considered one of the most talented young footballers, said, "After we qualified against Belgium, I was asked if I feared France and I said no. We are European champions. It's football, as Kounde also said. It's simply football."

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After we qualified against Belgium, I was asked if I feared France and I said no. We are European champions. It's football, as Kounde also said. It's simply football.

Yamal, who celebrated his 19th birthday on Monday, July 13, expressed his desires for the day. "I haven't received many gifts yet. The best gift would be a victory on Tuesday, along with a trip to New York," he stated, displaying a relaxed demeanor and wearing a striking necklace he purchased for the occasion. The player, who has scored one goal in the tournament so far, accepted a challenge from coach Luis de la Fuente to score in the upcoming match against France. "I don't focus on goals, but it's always special to score in a match like this. I accept the challenge. That's why I came here," Yamal added.

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I haven't received many gifts yet. The best gift would be a victory on Tuesday, along with a trip to New York.

Meanwhile, Spanish coach Luis de la Fuente drew inspiration from the Roman Empire, specifically Julius Caesar, to motivate his squad. He quoted Caesar's famous phrase, "there is no achievement without suffering," to convey that his players are "ready to suffer" in the World Cup semifinal. De la Fuente, speaking at the pre-match press conference, elaborated, "Julius Caesar, one of the great conquerors in history, said that there is no great achievement without suffering. And I subscribe to this saying, given my fascination with the Roman world. It is one of the expressions I like and transmit to my players. If you want to achieve something in life, you have to leave something behind and be willing to suffer. And we are ready to suffer."

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I don't focus on goals, but it's always special to score in a match like this. I accept the challenge. That's why I came here.

De la Fuente also reflected on his tenure, expressing pride in the players he has worked with during his 13 years at the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF). "I am proud of the time that has passed, because many things have happened. But proud of the steps we have taken. I am privileged to have developed my career. I have always spoken about closing the circle. We want this to be another step. We want to continue competing. Winning the World Cup would be the icing on the cake. We have that in mind, although it is difficult. I keep asking myself: 'What if we do it?'."

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Julius Caesar, one of the great conquerors in history, said that there is no great achievement without suffering. And I subscribe to this saying, given my fascination with the Roman world. It is one of the expressions I like and transmit to my players. If you want to achieve something in life, you have to leave something behind and be willing to suffer. And we are ready to suffer.