Rodri Confident Spain Can Overcome France in World Cup Semi-Final
Spain captain Rodri has declared that his team can defeat France in the World Cup semi-final, despite acknowledging the formidable qualities of their opponents. In an interview, the Ballon d'Or winner said: 'France are one of the best teams here, in great form, but so are Spain. We can beat them, we've seen that at the Euros and in the Nations League.'
The semi-final, set to take place in Dallas on Tuesday, marks another chapter in the recent rivalry between the two nations. Spain defeated France 5-4 in the Nations League semi-final last summer, a scoreline that flattered the French as Spain led 5-1 with 11 minutes remaining. The previous year, Spain beat France 2-1 in the Euro 2024 semi-final. Rodri also recalled winning the 2015 Under-19 European Championship with Spain by beating France in the semi-final, alongside current teammates Mikel Merino and coach Luis de la Fuente.
Rodri's Journey: From Injury to Leadership
Rodri's path to this semi-final has been challenging. After suffering a hamstring injury in the Euro 2024 final, he tore his cruciate knee ligament in September 2024, forcing him to collect the Ballon d'Or on crutches. He has gradually regained form during the tournament. 'I feel good and I'm happy about the team's growth,' he said. 'Now we're in a good moment. I see a team that's as competitive as at the Euros.'
He noted that the team has improved throughout the tournament: 'We've got the feel of things as we went. That's why I kept saying it would be a long tournament, that we would have to 'chew' on it, become a good version of ourselves.'
Analyzing France's Strengths and Spain's Approach
Rodri emphasized France's defensive solidity: 'France have great attacking qualities, but I'd also highlight their defensive strength. They defend well in a low block, they're very physical, very aggressive. We'll have to take the game to where we want it.' He cautioned against expecting another high-scoring affair: 'It's rare for any game to finish 5-4 like last year and we can't allow that to fool us. World Cups are different. I don't know that an open game suits us. We'll have to control more.'
Supporting Lamine Yamal
Rodri also spoke about teenage star Lamine Yamal, who turns 19 on the eve of the match. Yamal scored a stunning goal in the Euro 2024 semi-final and added two more against France in last year's Nations League. However, his impact in this World Cup has been less explosive. Rodri said: 'At 19, I would be in halls at university. My life was totally different to what Lamine is living.'
He stressed the need to keep Yamal calm: 'The manager said it best. The way to help Lamine is keep him calm. He needs to calm that anxiety, that urge, he sometimes has to show what he can do. He's so important for us. Against France, we hope he can be important.' Rodri added that Yamal is receptive to advice: 'He always listens, he's always prepared to improve, mature. He's very self-critical, so demanding of himself.'
Captaincy and Team Unity
With former leaders Dani Carvajal and Álvaro Morata no longer in the squad, Rodri has taken on a broader responsibility. 'The figure of captain is important: leadership is vital on the pitch but especially off it,' he said. 'I've tried to absorb what the dressing-room leaders did. You try to be close to those players who aren't playing. We've all been through it.'
He highlighted the depth of the squad, noting that players like David Raya, Joan García, Eric García, and others have not had a minute, while Fabián Ruiz has begun four games on the bench. 'Important players don't always have to start,' Rodri said. 'Fabián starts and is spectacular, scoring. Then Pedri comes on and gives the team what it needed.'
As Spain prepares for the 101st match of the tournament, Rodri reflected on the ultimate prize: 'The highest thing you can aspire to. That's the challenge, and it's only been done once in history.'
