Mbappe At '50% Is Still A Threat', Spain's Coach Warns Before Euro Semi-Final

Luis de la Fuente is fully aware of Kylian Mbappe's potential threat in Spain's Euro 2024 semi-final against France on Tuesday. Despite Mbappe scoring just once from 20 shots in the tournament, De la Fuente believes the French forward remains a formidable opponent. "His level at 50% is 100% for anyone else," he stated during Monday's pre-match press conference.

Mbappe has been playing with a mask due to a broken nose sustained against Austria in the opening game. This injury has seemingly affected his performance, as he has managed only one goal from 34 attempts in the Euros overall. This contrasts sharply with his World Cup record, where he has netted 12 goals from 39 shots.

De la Fuente remains confident in his team's ability to handle Mbappe and reach their fifth European Championship final. Spain is the only team to have won all five matches at Euro 2024 so far. "For me, my team is the best," De la Fuente said. He added that even if Spain were to be knocked out, he would still consider them exceptional.

No team has ever won six matches at a single Euros tournament or managed six consecutive wins in the competition. Spain aims to break this record, having already downed Germany 2-1 in extra time during the quarter-finals.

France has yet to score from open play in this tournament, relying instead on two penalties and two own goals. Despite this, De la Fuente does not underestimate Didier Deschamps' squad. "Physically, France are one of the strongest," he noted, emphasising their quality and resilience.

Mbappe's unpredictable nature makes him a constant threat on the field. "He can beat someone in two moves," De la Fuente remarked, acknowledging Mbappe's genius and superstar status. The Spanish coach is determined to minimise Mbappe's influence using their tactical tools.

Team Recovery and Motivation

Both teams face challenges with recovery due to the short interval between matches. "We are recovering well, but it is only a few days; it is the same problem for everyone," De la Fuente mentioned. He believes motivation can help overcome any adversity they might face.

De la Fuente expressed his unwavering faith in his squad’s potential to reach the final despite any obstacles. "I have blind faith in my team to get to the final," he asserted confidently.

The anticipation for this semi-final clash is high as both teams prepare for what promises to be an intense match-up. The outcome will determine who advances to compete for the coveted European Championship title.

The article wraps up by highlighting that while Spain aims for historic success, they must first navigate through a challenging encounter with France’s formidable lineup led by Mbappe.