Rodri Hernández, Spain's captain, reflects on the team's journey as they prepare for their pivotal World Cup match against France. After a grueling 9,000 miles of travel and six matches played, he believes Spain is ready to face one of the strongest teams in the tournament.

In a candid interview, Rodri shares insights from the tournament, emphasizing the quality of the semi-finalists and Spain's competitive edge. He recalls previous victories over France, including a 5-4 win in the Nations League and a 2-1 win at Euro 2024, stating, "France are one of the best teams here, in great form, but so are Spain. We can beat them."

Rodri, who has matured from a young player to a seasoned leader, acknowledges the challenges of this tournament compared to the last Euros. He expresses confidence in the team's growth, stating, "I see a team that’s as competitive as [they were] at the Euros."

He also highlights the importance of controlling the game against France, noting their strong defensive capabilities and physical play. With a focus on strategy, he stresses the need to adapt to the unique challenges of World Cup matches, emphasizing that an open game may not suit their style.

The conversation shifts to Lamine Yamal, the talented young player who has shown potential but faces immense pressure. Rodri offers support, stating, "He’s shown such maturity, but he still has things he can improve."

As captain, Rodri embraces his role in fostering team cohesion, especially among players who may not see much playing time. He reflects on the importance of leadership both on and off the pitch, aiming to emulate the examples set by previous leaders in the squad.

With the World Cup on the line, Rodri's ambition remains clear: to lift the trophy and cement his legacy as a World Cup-winning captain.