CORNERFLICK
Luis de la Fuente has brushed aside Didier Deschamps’ suggestion that Spain are the team under more pressure before their semi-final against France.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference in Dallas, the Spain coach said the label of favourites “means nothing” and insisted both nations will feel the weight of the occasion. “We are two big national teams and we are going to face each other,” he said. “Being favourites or not does not add more pressure. We bear that pressure anyway because we want to do the best for our country. Without suffering, you cannot win.”
De la Fuente said France have “great players”, but added that Spain do too, and stressed the need to win individual duels, take control and stick to their own style.
The 65-year-old also cited a phrase attributed to Julius Caesar, saying suffering is part of reaching major goals. He said Spain were proud to be in the last four and that the squad should enjoy the moment, while recognising the responsibility of representing their country in a World Cup semi-final.