- British racing attendances falling behind, says Qatar Racing's manager
- Rain forces cancellation of opening practice for Australian MotoGP
- Dupont 'beyond surprise' for Toulouse's Kinghorn
- Drought forces Big Tech to rethink thirsty LatAm data centers
- Countries under pressure to fork out for nature at UN conference
- Biden, allies in Berlin to renew Gaza truce call after Hamas leader killed
- Guardians rally to fry Yankees in 10 innings in MLB playoff thriller
- World Bank president focused on job creation ahead of annual meetings
- World Bank chief says lender's climate goals likely safe under Trump
- Japan's core inflation rate slows in September
- Israel PM says killing of Hamas chief 'beginning of the end' of Gaza war
- King Charles set to arrive in Australia for landmark tour
- Nadal defeated by 'animal' Alcaraz in Saudi Arabia as career nears end
- US Supreme Court denies stay of execution to Texas man in 'shaken baby' case
- US charges Indian agent over alleged plot to kill Sikh separatist
- Musk stumps for Trump in key US swing state
- TikTok, Facebook approve ads with US election disinformation, study says
- Purdy and 49ers face Chiefs in Super Bowl rematch
- Kenya deputy president ousted in historic impeachment
- Israel military says Sinwar killed in firefight while tracked by drone
- One Direction members 'devastated' by Liam Payne's death
- Norris shrugs off Red Bull 'trick' of the trade at US Grand Prix
- Global stocks climb as ECB cuts rates and tech rebounds
- Chelsea, Lyon ease to wins in Women's Champions League
- China expected to post slowing growth as economic woes drag
- Yamasaki brings keirin world title home as Japan takes two track golds
- Netflix adds millions of subscribers but growth slows
- 'Deeply misguided' to wall US off with tariffs: Yellen
- Biden farewell visit to Berlin focused on Ukraine, Mideast wars
- EU leaders urge new laws to speed up migrant returns
- Sinwar killing a blow to Hamas but impact on war uncertain
- Mitzi Gaynor, star of 'South Pacific,' dies aged 93
- Trump says Zelensky 'should never have let' Ukraine war start
- Harris woos undecided voters as Trump riles critics over Ukraine
- Hayes turns focus to US women's World Cup goal
- Zelensky seeks EU, NATO backing for 'victory plan'
- Bosch stuns Australia as South Africa reach Women's T20 World Cup final
- What we know about One Direction star Liam Payne's death
- Nicotine pouches rise in popularity as US youth tobacco use hits 25-year-low
- Mendis clinches Sri Lanka series win over West Indies
- Israel says killed Hamas chief Sinwar in Gaza
- Panel urges Secret Service shake-up after Trump assassination bid
- Trump, Harris back on friendly ground after tough interrogations
- Pressure on Ten Hag is 'too much': Brentford boss Frank
- Hamas chief Yahya Sinwar: Israel's most wanted man
- ECB bans transgender women from women's professional cricket
- Monaco aiming to last in Ligue 1 title fight with PSG
- Kenya deputy president impeachment trial in chaos after he falls ill
- English coaches 'capable' of managing national team, says Southampton boss
- Wales scrum-half Gareth Davies retires from international rugby
SCS | 0.53% | 13.21 | $ | |
NGG | -1.41% | 67.19 | $ | |
RELX | 0.91% | 48.59 | $ | |
CMSC | -0.52% | 24.79 | $ | |
VOD | -1.23% | 9.73 | $ | |
AZN | -0.37% | 78.02 | $ | |
RYCEF | 0.68% | 7.35 | $ | |
GSK | -0.64% | 38.96 | $ | |
RBGPF | 1.67% | 60.5 | $ | |
RIO | -1.32% | 65.09 | $ | |
CMSD | -0.52% | 25.02 | $ | |
BCE | 0.03% | 33.49 | $ | |
BTI | -1.22% | 35.37 | $ | |
BCC | -3.38% | 142.2 | $ | |
BP | 1.25% | 31.32 | $ | |
JRI | -0.15% | 13.15 | $ |
Spain have 'blind faith' despite 'genius' Mbappe, says de la Fuente
Spain coach Luis de la Fuente has "blind faith" in his side despite taking on France and their "one of a kind" Kylian Mbappe in Tuesday's Euro 2024 semi-final.
Riding a wave of five straight wins, Spain have lit up the tournament, scoring 11 goals on the way to the semi-final.
France have reached the same point despite lacking attacking fluency and are yet to score from open play. France's three strikes have come from one penalty and two own goals.
Mbappe and fellow forward Antoine Griezmann have come under fire for failing to perform, but de la Fuente remained wary, particularly of the French captain.
"These kinds of footballers are unpredictable. You never know where they will appear and they never disappear completely.
"His (Mbappe's) level could be slightly lower than his usual level, but 50 percent of Kylian Mbappe could be 100 percent of any other player.
"A player like this can decide a game at any moment. He's a genius, a world-class player, of which France have many."
Despite lavishing praise on the 25-year-old French captain, de la Fuente backed his own troops.
"Mbappe is a one of a kind and is exceptional," the coach said, but added "to me my footballers are the best."
"Knowing their potential, we will try to minimise their virtues.
"I trust we will be able to counteract them. I have blind faith in my team and know we are ready to win tomorrow."
Spain midfielder Rodri said he was not tuning in to criticisms of the French forward, considered by many to be the best player in the world.
"I don't trust what people say. I know the player he is. He can hurt any team at any time and we will have to be aware of what he does."
Rodri also pushed back at suggestions France had reached the semi-final on the basis of boring football.
"Some might think they are boring but I don't see football in that way," the Manchester City midfielder told reporters.
"They're in the semi-finals and others are not. But we just want to win and play our football -- and not look too much at what they do."
S.F.Warren--AMWN