he added.
The French midfielder Warren Zaïre-Emery emphasized that his team is eager to seek revenge against Spain, aiming to erase the bitter memories of their defeat in the Euro 2024 semi-final.
France and Spain are set to clash on Tuesday for a coveted spot in the World Cup final, a prize that holds even greater significance than the one Luis de la Fuente’s side claimed two years ago. Back then, Spain triumphed in Munich, but a rejuvenated France has reversed its fortunes, showcasing an exciting style of play that has propelled them to the semi-finals.
“We have a different team, to my mind,” Zaïre-Emery stated. “We are ready. We want to win against Spain and get our revenge for the Euros. We’re going to have to be focused. It’s a semi-final and that’s what we’re going to do, we’re going to deliver tomorrow.”
Although Zaïre-Emery did not participate in the 2024 squad, he made his debut in a major tournament during France’s quarter-final victory over Morocco last Wednesday. He subtly addressed former Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy, who faced accusations of racism for suggesting that the French team lacks genuine French players, but noted that he had not engaged with Rajoy’s remarks.
“does not have any French players” Zaïre-Emery declared. “This French team has players from different backgrounds and origins, and that’s what makes France,”
Didier Deschamps may consider adjusting the lineup that comfortably defeated Morocco by including Aurélien Tchouaméni in place of the impressive Manu Koné, depending on Tchouaméni’s fitness following a muscle injury.
Tchouaméni has been sidelined for the last two matches, but Deschamps confirmed that the defensive midfielder is now available for selection. He also alleviated concerns regarding Kylian Mbappé, who suffered an ankle injury against Morocco and missed the final part of Monday’s training. “We are a united group, we are happy to be together, and that’s all that matters.” Deschamps remarked about Mbappé. “He is allowed to do 10 minutes in one drill instead of 15.”
Over the weekend, Deschamps labeled Spain as the favorites for the upcoming match, a sentiment he reiterated. “Forget about the first game against Cape Verde. Ever since then Spain have confirmed that they are the favourites. “I don’t want to add extra pressure to Luis and their team. He knows very well that people are expecting greatly of Spain. We know this could be a spectacular game between two teams with great quality offensively, but Luis and myself know how to defend well.” he affirmed. “There is no lesson to be learned,”
“It will be a battle of wills. There’s no revenge, the past is in the past. I’m focused on tomorrow’s match. If it motivates the players, all the better. I don’t want to diminish the importance of those two games but this is a World Cup semi-final.”
In contrast to Zaïre-Emery’s perspective, the head coach downplayed the notion of seeking revenge against Spain. In addition to the Euro 2024 match, they faced a dramatic 5-4 defeat in a Nations League semi-final last June, yet he anticipates a fresh start in Dallas.
“There is no lesson to be learned,” Deschamps stated. “It will be a battle of wills. There’s no revenge; the past is in the past. I’m focused on tomorrow’s match. If it motivates the players, all the better. I don’t want to diminish the importance of those two games, but this is a World Cup semi-final.”
