“There is no anti-Yamal plan”

France midfielder Adrien Rabiot has claimed that Didier Deschamps side do not have a specific plan in place to stop Spain’s Lamine Yamal in the FIFA World Cup semifinal. He believes that they cannot focus on one player, as they are up against a strong side.

Speaking to the media, Rabiot said that Spain are a dangerous side who like to dominate possession and work in combinations. He does not think keeping one player quiet will help France progress to the FIFA World Cup final and said:

“No, there is no anti-Yamal plan. We are focusing on Spain as a whole, not on a single player. We know they are a dangerous team in every area of the pitch: in possession, in tight spaces near the box, in their combination play, and with their forwards. We need to focus above all on limiting their system, not just one player.” (via Tribal Football)

When quizzed about the feeling in the dressing room, Rabiot was quick to say that they were preparing for the semifinal in the best way possible. He added that they are keeping their feet on the ground and believe in hard work.

“We are focused and will prepare for the match in the best possible way. We are confident about the journey we’ve had so far, and it’s right to feel that way, but always with the humility that has set us apart since the start of the competition. Now there’s a place in the final at stake and we hope to go all the way.”

France lost 5-4 to Spain in the UEFA Nations League semifinal last summer. They also lost the 2024 UEFA Euro semifinal 2-1 to the Spanish side.

France do not fear Spain ahead of FIFA World Cup clash, says Adrien Rabiot

Adrien Rabiot has insisted that France do not fear anyone in the competition. He believes that they have prepared well for the FIFA World Cup semifinal and said:

“We fear no one. Considering the path we’ve taken, I think we come into this semifinal in the best possible shape. It would have been hard to arrive better prepared than this. The pitch will decide, but we’ve done everything we could to be ready.”

Both sides have been in red-hot form this summer. France have won all their games, while Spain have followed suit after their goalless draw to Cape Verde in the opening match at the FIFA World Cup.