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Spain captain Rodri believes his side have what it takes to overcome France in their blockbuster World Cup semi-final clash in Dallas.
The Manchester City midfielder takes confidence from recent victories against the Blues as La Roja aim for their first world final since 2010.
Confidence in the “La Roja” camp
Rodri is far from intimidated by the prospect of facing one of the tournament favorites. Speaking ahead of the semi-final at AT&T Stadium, the Ballon d’Or winner highlighted Spain’s previous successes against Didier Deschamps’ side to prove they belong on the same level.
“France are one of the best teams here, in great form, but so are Spain. We can beat them, we saw it at the Euro and 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 Euro Under-19 semi-finals, as well as the Euro 2024 and Nations League semi-finals last summer.
“Luis de la Fuente hasn’t changed at all,” Rodri said of his longtime coach. “That’s where he started building everything we see today.”
While many are expecting a repeat of last year’s 5-4 thriller, the midfielder expects a closer encounter, noting: “World Cup matches are a different beast; I don’t think it will be as open.”
Managing the Lamine Yamal Hype
A big part of Spain’s tactical plan involves 19-year-old sensation Lamine Yamal. However, Rodri has called on his younger teammate to find a balance between his explosive talent and the emotional demands of the biggest stage.
“I think he needs to calm down a little, this anxiety that he has to prove himself sometimes,” Rodri admitted. “He’s a very important player for us because of what he does with and without the ball, and he’s a very intelligent guy. It’s true that he’s 19 years old and you have to calm him down at certain moments of the match.”
Despite the Barcelona prodigy’s lack of goals so far in this tournament, the management group remains fully supportive. Rodri praised the teenager’s attitude, stressing that he is a “role model” always ready to improve. “He’s a boy who listens, who always wants to learn,” added the City star.
How will France respond to this challenge?
The confidence emanating from the Spanish camp has not gone unnoticed by its opponents. Speaking from the French base, new Real Madrid defender Ibrahima Konate insisted the Blues remained humble and blocked any outside claims that they should be afraid.
France are looking to avenge their Euro 2024 exit, but are reluctant to focus solely on Yamal while Spain have quality all over the pitch.
“France has great offensive qualities, but I would also highlight its defensive strength,” noted Rodri in response to the tactical challenge ahead. “They defend well in a low block, they are very physical, very aggressive. We will have to take the match where we want it.”
The weight of captaincy
With established leaders like Dani Carvajal and Álvaro Morata no longer in the team, Rodri took full responsibility for the armband. It’s a role he takes seriously on and off the pitch, especially when it comes to supporting those who haven’t seen much playing time during this World Cup.
“The figure of the captain is important: leadership is vital on the pitch but especially off it,” Rodri said. “In moments of doubt, it is up to him to bring calm to the group.”
For Rodri, there remains only one goal: to lift the famous trophy in the United States. Having already conquered Europe and won the Ballon d’Or, the World Cup represents the ultimate climax.
“The highest thing you can aspire to,” he remarked. “That’s the challenge, and it’s only been done once in history.”
