{"id":2394,"date":"2026-07-13T19:28:48","date_gmt":"2026-07-13T19:28:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/nile1.com\/en\/?p=2394"},"modified":"2026-07-13T19:42:51","modified_gmt":"2026-07-13T19:42:51","slug":"rodri-backs-lamine-yamal-to-impact-world-cup-semi-final-against-france","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/nile1.com\/en\/2026\/07\/13\/rodri-backs-lamine-yamal-to-impact-world-cup-semi-final-against-france\/","title":{"rendered":"Rodri Backs Lamine Yamal to Impact World Cup Semi-Final Against France"},"content":{"rendered":"

Spain captain Rodri has expressed confidence that Lamine Yamal<\/a> can rediscover his clinical edge when the European champions face tournament favorites France in Tuesday\u2019s World Cup semi-final. The teenage winger, who was a standout performer during Spain\u2019s successful Euro 2024 campaign, is looking to exert a similar influence in the high-stakes knockout clash.<\/p>\n

Lamine Yamal entered the tournament with high expectations following a pivotal role in Spain\u2019s surge to glory last summer. During that tournament, he became the youngest goalscorer in European Championship history with a strike against France in the semi-finals, just days before his 17th birthday. He followed that performance by assisting the winning goal in the final against England.<\/p>\n

However, the Best Young Player award winner from Euro 2024 has found goals and assists harder to come by in his maiden World Cup. Having arrived at the tournament following a hamstring injury sustained in April, the Barcelona star has recorded only one goal against Saudi Arabia and is yet to register an assist.<\/p>\n

Rodri Urges Composure<\/h3>\n

Despite the dip in statistical output, Rodri remains calm regarding the development of the 19-year-old. Speaking to The Guardian, the Manchester City<\/a> midfielder emphasized that Yamal\u2019s maturity remains impressive for his age, even if the public has grown accustomed to his high level of play.<\/p>\n

“It\u2019s life, it\u2019s football,” Rodri said. “Lamine showed so much maturity at the Euros. He\u2019s two years older now, and you\u2019ve seen what he\u2019s capable of, so maybe it doesn\u2019t impress you so much. But at his age, two years on, I was just starting out. I hadn\u2019t even played professionally yet.”<\/p>\n

Rodri noted that manager Luis de la Fuente has focused on managing the teenager\u2019s temperament to ensure he performs when it matters most. “The way to help Lamine is keep him calm,” Rodri explained. “He needs to calm that anxiety, that urge, he sometimes has to show what he can do. He\u2019s an intelligent boy. But he\u2019s 19 and there are times when you have to calm him in games.”<\/p>\n

A Tactical Challenge Against France<\/h3>\n

The semi-final serves as a rematch of last year\u2019s UEFA Nations League encounter, a remarkable game where Spain prevailed 5-4. While that match saw Yamal score a brace, Rodri does not expect a similarly open contest on Tuesday. Didier Deschamps\u2019 France side has reached the semi-finals with a formidable defensive record, having not conceded a goal in the first three knockout rounds.<\/p>\n

“France have great attacking qualities, but I\u2019d also highlight their defensive strength,” Rodri said. “They defend well in a low block, they\u2019re very physical, very aggressive. We\u2019ll have to take the game to where we want it. I don\u2019t think it will be a back-and-forth like that. We\u2019ll have to control more.”<\/p>\n