Football World Cup: Spain demands France: “Don’t be afraid at all”

Thanks to Germany’s Mikel Merino, there’s a semi-final clash at the World Cup Spain and France – and the European champions go into the duel with huge self-confidence.

«I think everyone has been waiting for this game since the World Cup began. We were all looking forward to it because the two best teams in the tournament would meet here,” said superstar Lamine Yamal after Spain’s 2-1 (1-1) win against Belgium in the quarter-finals. «But we are not afraid at all. I believe if any team with confidence against France can compete, then we can.”

This pairing had already taken place in the semi-finals of the 2024 European Championships in Germany, with Spain winning 2-1. Also thanks to Yamal, who initiated the turnaround with his only European Championship goal in Munich two years ago. At the XXL tournament in the USA, Mexico and Canada, the youngster scored one goal before the semi-finals despite his ever-improving performances, but the after-effects of his injury break can no longer be seen.

For Yamal, his own goals are unimportant

“As long as we win the World Cup, I don’t care whether I score or not. If we win, everything will be fine,” he said, but also said with a view to another decisive goal against the French: “I can hardly wait for this day to finally come.” The day before the semi-finals in Dallas on July 14th (9 p.m./Magenta TV), Yamal will be 19 years old. He would like to present himself and his three-year-old brother Keyne, who has long since become an Internet star himself, with reaching the final the next day.

Spanish press celebrates “Holy Merino”

If necessary, there is also the “Saint Merino”, as the newspaper “Mundo Deportivo” called the former Dortmund player. Two minutes after coming on as a substitute, the Arsenal professional scored the winning goal in the 88th minute Belgium. Again he was the man for the late golden goal.

Like in the round of 16 in the 1-0 win against Portugal. And like two years ago in the European Championship quarter-finals against Germany. “It’s crazy to be able to help the team again,” said Merino. “I do believe in some coincidences, but I don’t think this is a coincidence. If I managed to score these three goals in such important moments, it’s because I prepare for situations like that.”

Spain could really use the help against Belgium. Possession of the ball and the preponderance of chances were clearly on La Roja’s side. But Belgium continued to annoy its opponents, made it 1-1 through Charles De Ketelaere (41′) and was the first team to score against goalkeeper Unai Simon. His record streak without conceding a goal ended after 649 minutes, but thanks to Fabián Ruiz (30th) and Merino, the 2010 world champion will continue in a World Cup semi-final for the first time since winning the title.

Spain has never been further than the round of 16 since winning the title – until now

The French reached the World Cup finals in 2018 and 2022, while Spain have not made it past the round of 16 since winning the title 16 years ago. But now the Iberians have lost 37 competitive games, even if only on penalties, and want to do their own thing against the offensive force from France – Kylian Mbappé and the rest of Les Bleus have 16 goals in six World Cup games so far. The fact that the recently injured Nico Williams came on as a substitute and almost scored the 2-1 himself instead of Merino should be a further boost for the team.

“We all know that France has enormous quality at the front and back. It’s a very strong team. But we will play our game and try to have the ball,” said Yamal. “We’ve already thrown them out once.”

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