Mikel Oyarzabal stresses calm before Spain‑France World Cup semifinal

Spain’s leading scorer Mikel Oyarzabal said public praise can be “more dangerous than criticism” ahead of the World Cup semifinal against France, urging emotional stability and collective focus. He highlighted the need to keep opponents uncomfortable and to maintain tactical discipline, noting Spain’s defensive solidity throughout the tournament.

Oyarzabal reaffirmed his loyalty to Real Sociedad, stating the club gave him the platform for his international success and that he feels “at home” in San Sebastián. Despite rumors linking him to a move to Arsenal and his recent refusal of a transfer to Barcelona, he emphasized that any future decision will depend on his own wishes and club negotiations.

Analysts also discussed Real Sociedad’s tactical options, suggesting the Icelandic striker Orri Óskarsson could complement Oyarzabal but that over‑reliance on both forwards might strain the squad across multiple competitions. The consensus is that Oyarzabal will remain a key figure for both club and country as Spain aims for a World Cup final.