France Defender Konate States No Fear of Spain but Respects Quality

Dallas. Before the first semi-final match of the World Cup 2026, France defender Ibrahima Konate said that they are not afraid of Spain but are aware of the opponent's quality and their almost flawless defense. Spain has conceded only 1 goal throughout the entire tournament as they reached the final four in search of their second World Cup title. France, the 2018 winner and last year's runner-up, knows Spain well, as they were defeated by Spain in the final four of Euro 2024 and the semi-finals of last year's Nations League. Speaking at a press conference, France's center-back Konate said, 'You cannot be afraid of anyone, we will prepare as best as possible and hope the result comes in our favor in the end.' He added that Spain is an exceptional team full of players with great individual quality, and although Lamine Yamal is an excellent player, they will not focus on just one player. Konate had the opportunity to play as a substitute for a short time in the win against Norway in the last match of the group stage. Considering France's fifth World Cup final journey, Dayot Upamecano and William Saliba have been playing as France's starting center-backs. France has reached the final in four of the last seven World Cups. If they manage to reach the final on July 19 in New York, they will be compared to the record of West Germany, who became the best team in the tournament by reaching the final four times between 1974 and 1990. However, Konate said that the French team is not wasting its attention on what might happen in the future. He said, 'We are staying humble, we will not fall into that trap.' France will have to find a way to break down the most effective defense of this World Cup, as well as try to contain Lamine Yamal's moves through the wing. France's other center-back, Maxence Lacroix, said, 'I wouldn't say 'fear' but we are aware of their quality.' Lacroix stated that they respect Spain, who have won all their matches except for a 0-0 draw with Cape Verde in the group stage, but they want to win. Spain's winger Lamine Yamal is at the top of this list, receiving praise from the coach for keeping opposing defenders busy while allowing his teammates to take advantage of the space. Lacroix added, 'We will defend well, excellently. Lamine is a very good player and he has shown that he can damage teams in this World Cup, we will do what is necessary.'