Yamal says France matchup will be 'the most important' game he'll ever play

The winger from Rocafonda says he is living a dream ahead of the France-Spain match.

"It's amazing that football has given me the chance to be recognized in places like Chattanooga, for example. I could never have imagined walking through a town in the United States and being recognized. I really value where I come from."

Yamal says he’s not surprised that his comment about 'if anyone should be afraid, it should be them' was misunderstood. "No, I’m not surprised; I know you guys. They asked me if I was afraid of France, and I said no. We are European champions. It’s football, as Kounde said. It’s just football, that’s all."

The Barcelona player says he isn’t nervous ahead of the semifinal.

"I’m very calm; I’m even about to meet my brother to get a haircut.

"The match will be amazing. It’s a game everyone wants to see. Both teams will attack and defend. It will surely be a very close match. But no, there’s no pressure.

"I play the way I know how. When you give everything, and people know it, you don’t feel pressure."

Lamine says he doesn’t believe in numerology when asked about the '19'—the number on his shirt, his age, and the date of the final.

"No, because the Portugal coach said something like that and then Mikel Merino scored. And the necklace... It’s not a gift because I paid for it myself (laughs). A gift from me to me."

Still, he’s aware of how important the semifinal is, putting it ahead of the Euro final or any Champions League match he’s played with Barca.

"Top-1. It’s the most important match I’m going to play for sure."

Lamine Yamal has no doubts about Spain’s chances of becoming champions. "Obviously, yes. It’s difficult, but we all see ourselves as champions, like in 2010. Why not?"

On the other hand, he doesn’t care that he’s only scored one goal.

"Every tournament is different. It’s not the coach’s fault that I haven’t scored five goals. That’s just how the game goes and I’m not worried.

"When I was a kid, I watched World Cups where Spain was knocked out. We’re winning, and that’s what matters. Hopefully, (Tuesday) I can score."

Asked about the controversy after Rajoy’s article, he responded: "(Tuesday) we’ll play one of the most intense matches. But if football is good for anything, it’s for bringing people together. Especially with Spain and France as examples. That’s what football is for, not for talking about those kinds of comments."

He also spoke about his brother going viral at the World Cup. "He doesn’t realize it. He just does what he always does at home. When the camera’s on him, he acts silly. I like watching him when they show him, it entertains me."

And finally, he took a jab at the press. "Since the Euros, we’ve been growing as a team. I don’t feel pressure.

"You say I’m not at my best, so you shouldn’t expect anything from me. But I hope it’s a great day."