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Spain captain Rodri believes his team has what it takes to overcome France in their blockbuster World Cup semi-final clash in Dallas.
The Manchester City midfielder is gaining confidence thanks to recent victories over Les Bleus, as La Roja aim to reach their first world final since 2010.
Confidence in the “La Roja” field
Rodri is not far from being intimidated by the prospect of facing one of the tournament favourites. Speaking ahead of the semi-final at the AT&T Stadium, the Ballon d’Or winner highlighted Spain’s previous successes over Didier Deschamps’ side to show they belong on the same level.
“France is one of the best teams here, they are in great shape, but so is Spain. We can beat them, we have seen it in the Euro Cup and in the Nations League,” explained the captain.
Success against France is nothing new for Rodri. He was part of the team that beat them in the 2015 U19 Euro semi-final, as well as the Euro 2024 semi-final and last summer’s Nations League.
“Luis de la Fuente hasn’t changed at all,” Rodri said of his longtime coach. “That’s where it started to build everything we see now.”
While many expect a repeat of last year’s 5-4 thriller, the midfielder anticipates a closer encounter, noting: “World Cup matches are a different beast; I don’t think they’re that open.”
Handling the Lamine Yamal hype
A big part of Spain’s tactical plan involves 19-year-old sensation Lamine Yamal. However, Rodri has asked his young partner to find the balance between his explosive talent and the emotional demands of the biggest stage.
“I think he needs to calm a little that anxiety that he sometimes has about proving his worth,” Rodri admitted. “He is a very important player for us because of what he does with and without the ball, and he is a very intelligent guy. It is true that he is 19 years old and that we have to calm him down at certain moments of the game.”
Despite the Barcelona prodigy’s lack of goals so far in the tournament, the leadership group continues to fully support him. Rodri praised the teenager’s attitude, noting that he is a “role model” who is always willing to improve. “He is a boy who listens, who always wants to learn,” added the City star.
How will France respond to the challenge?
The confidence that radiates from the Spanish camp has not gone unnoticed by their opponents. Speaking from the French base, new Real Madrid defender Ibrahima Konate insisted Les Bleus remain humble and block out any outside claims that they should fear.
France is looking to avenge its exit from Euro 2024, but is wary of focusing solely on Yamal when Spain has quality throughout the field.
“France has great offensive qualities, but I would also highlight its defensive strength,” Rodri highlighted regarding the tactical challenge that lies ahead. “They defend well in a low block, they are very physical, very aggressive. We will have to take the game where we want.”
The weight of the captaincy
Without established leaders such as Dani Carvajal and Álvaro Morata in the squad, Rodri has assumed full responsibility for the armband. It’s a role he takes seriously both on and off the field, particularly when it comes to supporting those who haven’t played much during this World Cup.
“The figure of the captain is important: leadership is vital on the field but especially off it,” said Rodri. “In moments of doubt, it is up to him to bring calm to the group.”
Rodri only has one goal left: to lift the famous trophy in the United States. After having conquered Europe and won the Ballon d’Or, the World Cup represents the definitive peak.
“The highest you can aspire to,” he remarked. “That’s the challenge, and it’s only been done once in history.”
