Spain's Lamine Yamal is embracing his star power ahead of the World Cup semi-final against France in Dallas. The 19-year-old, celebrating his birthday, insisted there is no pressure despite the high stakes. 'Pressure? No,' he said during the pre-match press conference, where he played the lead role with a smile.
Birthday Festivities and Mindset
Yamal's birthday started with a kickabout with teammates and included a press conference where he displayed a huge white gold and diamond chain. 'Actually, no, I bought this for myself so it doesn't count as a gift,' he joked. Asked what he wanted for his birthday, he replied: 'A trip to New York.' A win against France would secure that trip, as the final is in New York. 'What I want as a present is a win,' he said.
Yamal emphasized his relaxed mindset: 'There are much harder things in life than a football match. It's a game, I know what I'm capable of and I'm not worried about anything.' He ranked this match as 'the top one' among all he has played.
Coach and Captain's Advice
Spain coach Luis de la Fuente urged Yamal to avoid anxiety. 'He's 19, madre mia. I would say to him: relax, enjoy it. Anxiety, out! Let him enjoy it. Lamine's great day is still to come at this World Cup. I hope it's tomorrow and, if not, in the final.'
Yamal acknowledged that France, led by his Barcelona teammate Jules Koundé, should be feared but insisted Spain are confident. 'I was asked if there was fear and I said no, obviously not: we're European champions. We don't have to talk too much, we know what we have to do.'
Performance and Expectations
Yamal has scored only one goal at this World Cup so far, but he has scored in both previous encounters with France. 'You lot say I am not at my best level, so you don't need to expect anything from me tomorrow. But I hope it will be a special day,' he said with a dig at critics.
He also dismissed comments by former Spanish prime minister Mariano Rajoy, who wrote that France were good but not actually French. 'If football serves any purpose it is for integration. All the more so with Spain and France, which are examples. That's what football is for; not for talking about comments like that.'
Star Power and Recognition
Yamal reflected on his fame: 'It's very nice that football has given me the chance to be known in Chattanooga. I never imagined I could go somewhere in the US and be recognised.' His younger brother Keyne has also become a star of the tournament. 'He doesn't realise. When the cameras turn to him he does silly things. He'll see it when he's older. I'm happy people like him as much as I do.'
When asked what he would tell a 10-year-old version of himself, Yamal said: 'To be himself and enjoy it.' He dismissed numerology connections (his 19th birthday, shirt number 19, and the final on the 19th), referencing Portugal's coach who talked about it before Mikel Merino's winner. 'I'm not worried about scoring, all that matters is winning.'
