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Spain captain Rodri believes his side have what it takes to overcome France in their epic World Cup semi-final clash in Dallas.
The Manchester City midfielder will take confidence from recent wins over Les Bleus as La Roja aim to reach their first global final since 2010.
Confidence in the “La Roja” camp
Rodri is far from daunted by the prospect of meeting one of the tournament favourites. Speaking ahead of the semi-final at the AT&T Stadium, the Ballon d’Or winner highlighted Spain’s past successes over Didier Deschamps’ side to prove they belong at the same level.
“France is one of the best teams here, in good form, but so is Spain. We can beat them, we’ve seen that at the EC 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 U-19 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 he started building everything we see now.”
While many expect a repeat of last year’s 5-4 thriller, the midfielder predicts a tighter affair, noting: “World Cup games are a different beast; I don’t think it will be nearly as open.”
Dealing with the Lamine Yamal hype
A big part of Spain’s tactical plan involves 19-year-old sensation Lamine Yamal. However, Rodri has urged his young team-mate to find a balance between his explosive talent and the emotional demands of the biggest stage.
“I think he needs to calm down, that anxiety that he has to prove himself sometimes,” 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 in certain moments of the game.”
Despite the lack of goals from the Barcelona prodigy so far this tournament, the management team remains fully supportive. Rodri praised the teenager’s attitude, noting that he is a “role model” who is always willing to improve. “He’s a lad who listens who always wants to learn,” added the City star.
How will France respond to the challenge?
The confidence radiating from the Spanish camp has not gone unnoticed by their opponents. From the French base, Real Madrid’s new defender Ibrahima Konate insisted that Les Bleus remain humble and block any external claims that they should be afraid.
France are looking to avenge their Euro 2024 exit but are wary of focusing solely on Yamal when Spain possess quality all over the pitch.
“France have great attacking qualities, but I would also like to highlight their defensive strength,” noted Rodri in response to the tactical challenge ahead. “They defend well in a low block, they’re very physical, very aggressive. We’re going to have to take the game where we want it.”
The weight of the captaincy
With established leaders such as Dani Carvajal and Álvaro Morata no longer in the squad, Rodri has taken on the full responsibility of the armband. It’s a role he takes seriously both on and off the pitch, especially when it comes to supporting those who haven’t seen much playing time during this World Cup run.
“The captaincy is important: leadership is crucial on the pitch, but especially off it,” said Rodri. “When in doubt, it’s up to him to bring calm to the group.”
For Rodri, there is only one goal left: to lift the famous trophy in the USA. Having already conquered Europe and won the Ballon d’Or, the World Cup represents the ultimate pinnacle.
“The highest you can aspire to,” he remarked. “That’s the challenge, and it’s only been done once in history.”
