World Cup: Yamal insists Spain have nothing to fear against France

Spain's teenage sensation Lamine Yamal is unfazed by the prospect of facing France in the World Cup semi-finals, asserting that his team has "nothing to fear." Speaking on his 19th birthday, the Barcelona prodigy addressed comments made after Spain's quarter-final victory over Belgium, where he was quoted as suggesting France should be the ones feeling apprehensive.

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I was asked if I was afraid of France, and I said no. We are European champions. It's simply football.

"I was asked if I was afraid of France, and I said no," Yamal explained during a press conference. "We are European champions. It's simply football." The young star, who celebrated his birthday by purchasing a diamond-encrusted necklace, sees a place in the World Cup final as the ultimate gift. "The best gift would be a win on Tuesday and a trip to New York," he stated.

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The best gift would be a win on Tuesday and a trip to New York.

While Yamal has only scored once in the tournament thus far, he is eager to add to his tally against the formidable French side. "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," he said, promising an exciting match for fans. He anticipates "a beautiful match for the spectators" and acknowledges the significance of the game, which he described as "the game everyone was waiting for."

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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.

Despite the high stakes, Yamal maintained a remarkably calm demeanor. "There are far more difficult situations in life than a football match, so I'm calm," he remarked. "I don't feel any extra pressure; I'll go out and play like always and give my all for the team." His relaxed attitude suggests a player ready to embrace the challenge and perform on the biggest stage.

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It's the game everyone was waiting for.