Spanish star Lamine Yamal affirmed his absolute confidence in his country's ability to overcome the obstacle of France and qualify for the World Cup final, stressing that 'La Roja' does not fear anyone after winning the European Championship.

Yamal said in a press conference held on Monday evening, which coincided with his 19th birthday, that Spain won against France in their last two meetings, adding: 'If France has anyone to fear, it is us. We'll see what happens, but we are not afraid.'

The Barcelona player's comments came in response to repeated questions about his previous statements after the quarter-final match against Belgium, which sparked widespread reactions in the French camp, as he revealed that he had followed French defender Jules Koundé's comments about them.

Yamal calmly added: 'I was asked if I feared France, and I answered no. We are European champions. It's football as Koundé said, and that's it,' stressing that he is preparing to play the 'most important match' of his career without any pressure.

Despite scoring only one goal in 6 matches in the tournament, the young winger refused to acknowledge a decline in his form, saying: 'Every tournament is different. I know my abilities and I am not worried at all. You say I am not in my best form, so do not expect anything from me, but I hope tomorrow will be a great day.'

Yamal concluded his statements with a clear tone of defiance: 'Certainly I can see myself as a world champion. It is difficult, but we all see ourselves as champions just as we did in 2010. Why not?', referring to the ambition of the new Spanish generation to repeat the achievement of the Xavi and Iniesta generation.

The semi-final match between Spain and France kicks off this evening, in a clash eagerly awaited by football fans around the world.