DONAUESCHINGEN, JULY 7: Spain defender Marc Cucurella believes the key to stopping France striker Kylian Mbappe in their Euro 2024 semi-final clash is a unified approach.
Joint record three-time winners Spain face France in Munich on Tuesday after ousting hosts Germany in extra-time.
Explosive new Real Madrid signing Mbappe has struggled at the Euros after breaking his nose in Frances first match, scoring once from the penalty spot, but remains Les Bleus main attacking threat.
"I think football is a collective sport, and its true that if it was one-on-one it would be tricky, but its up to us in the end," Cucurella told a news conference Sunday.
"Apart from being good with the ball, we are a very hard-working team, we give everything for each other, and I think thats the key.
"We have to be united, to know what to do in each moment, and above all we need to minimise their counter-attacks which are prehaps their strongest weapons."
Cucurella has been one of the most impressive players in Spains side this summer, a surprise to some after an inconsistent season with Chelsea.
The left-back had only appeared once for his country before this year, but improving performances at Stamford Bridge in the final months of the season and Valencia defender Jose Gayas injury helped him claim a starting spot.
With defender Dani Carvajal suspended against France after a red card in extra-time in the 2-1 win over Germany, the 25-year-old could be used at right-back, where he operated for Chelsea on occasion.
"Ill try to give my best, to contribute my grain of sand," said Cucurella.
"I feel more comfortable on the left but in the end I have to try to do the best I can and help the team.
"Whats important is that we win, and it doesn matter who plays, if on Sunday we are in the final."
The defender was involved in a controversial moment against Germany where the ball struck his hand in the area but the hosts were not awarded a penalty.
"If the referees said it wasn a penalty, then I will respect that," said Cucurella. —AFP
