Rodri has no doubts: Spain can defeat France in the World Cup semi-finals, in a clash that promises to be epic in Dallas. The Spanish captain, a midfielder for Manchester City, bases his confidence on recent victories over the French, as La Roja strives to reach its first World Cup final since 2010.
The match is set to take place at AT&T Stadium, where Rodri, a Ballon d'Or winner, refuses to feel any fear in front of one of the favorites to win the title. “France is one of the best teams here, in great form, but Spain is too. We can beat them; we have done it before in the Euros and the Nations League,” said the Spanish captain, highlighting his team's ability to match the 2018 World Cup champions.
Rodri knows well the feeling of defeating France. He was part of the Spanish national team's victories in the 2015 Under-19 European Championship, the semi-final of Euro 2024, and last summer's Nations League. Regarding coach Luis de la Fuente, the midfielder commented: “He hasn't changed anything. This is where he started building everything we see now.” In contrast to expectations of an open game, like last year's thrilling 5-4 encounter, Rodri predicts a more closed match, emphasizing that “World Cup games are different; it won't be anything so open.”
One of Spain's trump cards is Lamine Yamal, the 19-year-old sensation. However, Rodri emphasizes the importance of the young talent balancing his enthusiasm with the pressure of the big stage: “I think he needs to calm down a bit, that anxiety he sometimes has to prove himself. He is a very important piece for us because of what he does with and without the ball; he is a very intelligent player. He is 19 years old, and we need to help him stay calm at certain moments in the game.” Despite not scoring so far in the tournament, the captain praises the attitude of the young Barcelona player, describing him as an “example” who is always eager to learn. “He is a kid who listens and always wants to evolve,” he added.
On the French side, Real Madrid defender Ibrahima Konaté assures that Les Bleus remain humble and focused, ignoring any fears in the face of Spanish confidence. France seeks revenge for their elimination in Euro 2024, but Rodri warns of the danger of focusing solely on Yamal, stressing that Spain has quality throughout the pitch. “France has great offensive qualities, but I would also highlight their defensive solidity. They defend well in a low block, they are physical and aggressive. We will have to take the game where we want it,” he explained.
With veterans like Dani Carvajal and Álvaro Morata out of the World Cup, Rodri has fully embraced the responsibility of captain, a role he takes seriously both on and off the field. “The figure of the captain is important: leadership is vital both on and especially off the field. In moments of doubt, it is up to him to bring calm to the group,” he stated.
For Rodri, the only remaining objective is to win the most coveted trophy in football. “It is the highest one can aspire to,” concluded the midfielder, emphasizing that the World Cup represents the ultimate challenge of his career, having already won Europe and the Ballon d'Or. “It is a challenge that has only been achieved once in history.”
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