France’s defender Jules Koundé said Spain’s winger Lamine Yamal meant no disrespect when he said the Les Bleus should fear his team in the World Cup semifinal on Tuesday. After Spain registered a 2-1 win against Belgium in the quarterfinal clash, Yamal said the previous edition’s runners-up should fear the European champions.

However, Koundé reckons his Barcelona’s teammate had no intention to disrespect France. Didier Deschamps’ team has solid players and there is no doubt that the trio of Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele and Michael Olise will test Spain’s defense.

“No, in no moment have we felt a lack of respect,” said Koundé, Yamal’s Barcelona teammate. “I know Lamine very well. For me it’s a show of his confidence. I’ve seen it at Barca. They have confidence in their attitudes and the team they play.

“I see it as an extra motivation for him and nothing else.”

Yamal was once again asked Monday about his comments, and he didn’t back down.

“I’m not surprised, I know you guys,” Yamal told reporters. “They asked me if I was afraid of France and I said no. We’re European champions. It’s football, like Koundé said. It’s football, that’s all.”

On the other hand, France midfielder Adrien Rabiot said they don’t have a specific plan for Lamine Yamal and their focus is on the whole Spanish team.

“We don’t have a specific plan for Yamal. We’re focused on the whole Spanish team, not on one player,” Rabiot said. “We know they’re dangerous everywhere. Him, their front line, their ball possession, the way they play in small places near the box, their passing game.

“We need to focus on all of that I think, not on one individuality.”

Spain and France will take on each other in the semifinal at Dallas Stadium, Arlington on Tuesday.