CORNERFLICK
Pau Cubarsí has said Spain will need full concentration to keep Kylian Mbappé quiet when they meet France in the World Cup semi-final in Dallas.
The Spain defender said Mbappé is not a player to fear, but one whose quality can change a match instantly. Spain face France in the first of the two semi-finals, with a place in the final on the line.
Mbappé has scored 12 goals in World Cup knockout matches, the most by any player in the tournament’s history. He has found the net in the round of 16, round of 32, quarter-finals and final, but has not scored in either of his two previous semi-final appearances.
Spain have conceded only once at the tournament so far, and Cubarsí said that record will need to hold if they are to contain France’s captain.
Speaking to AS, he said: "He is not frightening, but everyone knows what qualities he has. Even if he is not fully involved in the game, he can change the result with one quick move. He is unique, like Lamine Yamal. We have to stay focused for all 90 minutes."