France legend Luis Fernandez on Spain semi-final showdown

Luis Fernandez, one of the most recognisable figures in French football, has shared his unique perspective on the upcoming World Cup semi-final between France and Spain. The 66-year-old, who won UEFA EURO 1984 with France and later coached Paris Saint-Germain, Athletic Club, Espanyol, Real Betis and the Israel national team, was born in southern Spain but raised in France from the age of five.

A dual heritage

Fernandez still feels closely connected to both countries. 'I was born in Spain, but I moved to France when I was five years old with my mum and my brothers and sister after my dad died,' he said. 'We were made to feel welcome there and we were given the opportunity to grow up, to work and to build lives for ourselves. I've always said that I consider myself French first and foremost, because I've represented Les Bleus on the pitch and I have French nationality. But Spain will always have a piece of my heart because I still have family there. We visit Tarifa often and I always feel immensely proud to go back there. After France, Spain is my favourite country to visit.'

France's strengths

Fernandez is impressed by the current French squad. 'France are such a pleasure to watch. They've done an outstanding job and, in Kylian Mbappe, they've got a captain who's giving everything he's got for the team and is leading by example. The likes of [Ousmane] Dembele, [Bradley] Barcola and the rest of the attacking players are also producing some exceptional football. The midfield and the defence look strong as well. I believe France have got what it takes to win the World Cup.'

He highlighted France's tradition of producing world-class forwards. 'France have always produced formidable forwards. Back in [Zinedine] Zidane's day, we had [Youri] Djorkaeff; then came [Antoine] Griezmann, [Olivier] Giroud and Mbappe. There have always been players capable of making a difference and winning EUROs or World Cups. Right now, they've got four or five players up front who are achieving extraordinary things and showing bags of quality.'

Praise for Deschamps

Fernandez also expressed strong support for France coach Didier Deschamps, his former teammate. 'I'm a huge admirer of Didier Deschamps. We played for France together and I've always liked his character. He's come in for some criticism at times, but I've never understood it. He's proven what a great coach he is at Monaco, Juventus, Marseille and, of course, with France, where he's won a World Cup and taken the team to another final. He's built a very strong squad. I love Deschamps and I hope I'll have the chance to congratulate him if he wins this World Cup.'

Respect for Spain

Despite his French allegiance, Fernandez holds Spain in high regard. 'I've always had a soft spot for Spain. I love Spanish football, especially the tradition they've had in midfield. I'm also a big fan of the job Luis de la Fuente has done because he's built a top team that became European champions two years ago. Spain have always had a distinctive identity, with the likes of [Sergio] Busquets, Xavi and [Andres] Iniesta. They've got the talent and the potential to play very attractive football.'

He added, 'I'm backing France to win the World Cup, but if Spain were to knock them out and go on to become champions, I'd be happy for them too.'

Midfield admiration

Fernandez, a former midfielder himself, has a particular appreciation for the deep-lying playmaker role. 'I've also really enjoyed watching England at this tournament. I often think back to Johan Cruyff and how he transformed Pep Guardiola into that deep-lying playmaker. Then came Busquets, and now there's Rodri. I've always admired that type of player because of their technical skills, the way they control the ball and their ability to dictate the game. Both Spain and France have incredibly talented midfields.'

Looking ahead to the semi-final, Fernandez hopes for a memorable contest. 'I hope to come away from the match feeling like I've witnessed a great spectacle. I'd like to see attractive and high-quality football played in the right spirit, with mutual respect.'