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Rabat – Spain forward Lamine Yamal said a possible World Cup semifinal against Morocco would be “very special” for him, as Spain prepare for their quarterfinal match against Belgium.
Speaking in an interview with Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo, Yamal was asked about the possibility of facing either Morocco or France in the semifinals if Spain advance.
“We have good memories against France, and playing against Morocco would be very special for me,” Yamal said. “They are two big national teams with a lot of quality.”
The Barcelona star added that Spain would approach either match with the same ambition.
“Whoever we face, we will try to win and reach the final,” he said.
Morocco connection
Yamal’s comment carries extra weight because of his Moroccan roots.
The 18-year-old was born in Spain and represents La Roja, but his father is Moroccan and his mother is from Equatorial Guinea.
Morocco had previously hoped to convince him to represent the Atlas Lions before he chose Spain. El País also referred to the debate around his decision, quoting Moroccan Football Federation President Fouzi Lekjaa as saying: “I don’t know any Spaniard called Yamal.”
That background makes a possible Morocco-Spain semifinal one of the most emotional storylines of the tournament.
Yamal’s comments came before Spain’s quarterfinal against Belgium in Los Angeles.
Spain will face Belgium on Friday, while France and Morocco open the quarterfinals in Boston on Thursday.
The young winger said Spain gained confidence after eliminating Portugal in the previous round.
“For me, Portugal was one of the three best teams in the World Cup, and being able to eliminate them gives us a lot of confidence for the Belgium match,” he said.
But Yamal also warned that every World Cup match is different, especially at this stage of the tournament.
Yamal wants his big moment
Yamal admitted that he is still waiting for his best performance of the tournament.
He said he arrived at the World Cup without full rhythm because of injury, but now feels ready for the decisive matches.
“The more important the matches get, the better level I bring,” he said. “I know I have chances to prove it.”
Spain are now one win away from the semifinals.
Morocco are also one win away from another historic semifinal appearance.
If both teams win, Yamal will face the country of his father’s roots on one of football’s biggest stages.
For him, that would be more than just another match.
