France midfielder Warren Zaïre-Emery has declared that his team is ready to face Spain in the World Cup semi-final, seeking revenge for their painful Euro 2024 semi-final exit. The two European giants meet on Tuesday in Dallas for a place in the World Cup final, a prize even greater than the one Spain claimed two years ago.
Zaïre-Emery Confident in France's Ability
“We have a different team, to my mind,” Zaïre-Emery said. “We are ready. We want to win against Spain and get our revenge for the Euros. We’re going to have to be focused. It’s a semi-final and that’s what we’re going to do, we’re going to deliver tomorrow.”
Zaïre-Emery was an unused member of the 2024 squad but made his major tournament debut in France’s quarter-final win over Morocco on Wednesday. He also addressed comments from former Spanish prime minister Mariano Rajoy, who claimed the France team “does not have any French players”, a remark widely criticized as racist. “This French team has players from different backgrounds and origins, and that’s what makes France,” Zaïre-Emery said. “We are a united group, we are happy to be together, and that’s all that matters.”
Deschamps Considers Tchouaméni Return
Didier Deschamps may make one change to the lineup that comfortably overcame Morocco, drafting Aurélien Tchouaméni in for Manu Koné if the Real Madrid player is deemed fit after a muscle injury. Tchouaméni has missed the last two games but Deschamps said the defensive midfielder is now available for selection.
Deschamps also allayed fears over Kylian Mbappé, who sustained an ankle knock against Morocco and sat out part of Monday’s training. “Yes, he trained,” Deschamps confirmed. “He is allowed to do 10 minutes in one drill instead of 15.”
Deschamps Labels Spain Favourites
Deschamps reiterated his view that Spain are favourites for the tie, a stance he first expressed over the weekend. “I confirm it,” he said. “Forget about the first game against Cape Verde. Ever since then Spain have confirmed that they are the favourites. I don’t want to add extra pressure to Luis and their team. He knows very well that people are expecting greatly of Spain. We know this could be a spectacular game between two teams with great quality offensively, but Luis and myself know how to defend well.”
Unlike Zaïre-Emery, Deschamps downplayed any revenge narrative. “There is no lesson to be learned,” he said. “It will be a battle of wills. There’s no revenge, the past is in the past. I’m focused on tomorrow’s match. If it motivates the players, all the better. I don’t want to diminish the importance of those two games but this is a World Cup semi-final.”
