On the eve of the World Cup semi-final between Spain and France, Unai Simón gave an interview to COPE radio. This article is the first part of the interview.

How are you doing right now?

I am fine, and you?

I'm fine too.

Like I said before, I'm a little tired. We just arrived here from Los Angeles a few days ago, but everyone's already used to this kind of schedule. Now I just hope the competition starts as soon as possible.

Do you not really like giving interviews?

Yes, because many interviews are repetitive. Different media outlets are asking the same questions, so I often have to answer the same things over and over again.

Do we keep asking you the same questions?

Not entirely, of course there are different issues. But often, the media wants to create buzz, so the issues tend to be similar, or all heading in the same direction.

You were interviewed by José Barrañaga this March. I listened to the episode, and it was very good; I really enjoyed it.

That interview was really good because it mainly focused on football, rather than just talking about off-field matters.

Don't you like it when people ask you about things outside of the game?

Well, to be honest, I don't really like being asked any questions. But if we have to talk, I'd rather talk about football than anything else.

I was hoping you could first reassure those of us who are already a bit nervous facing France. I think you players are probably calmer than the outside world, neither the media nor the fans seem as composed as you. How would you help someone who's already very nervous relax?

I think that often, people are mentally preparing themselves. They anticipate possible scenarios. We certainly know that France is a world-class team. But we're part of the team, training and playing every day, so we have a lot of confidence in our style of play.

I think everyone has the same mindset. If everyone can play to their best, I don't think any national team can beat us.

Before facing France, was your mindset the same as before facing Austria, Cape Verde, or Saudi Arabia?

I think these are different match scenarios. The match that made me most nervous in this World Cup was actually against Cape Verde. Not because of the opponent, but because it was the first match. The first match often influences the course of the game.

Furthermore, I haven't played any official matches since the league ended, only 45 minutes in a friendly against Peru, so I need to regain my match rhythm. Therefore, I was definitely more nervous before the Cape Verde match. Now that it's not match day yet, I mean before the match, I probably won't be as nervous as I was before that match.

You analyzed that team after the match against Cape Verde, and we said, "What's going on? It sounds like you're talking about Brazil." Then Cape Verde made it to the Round of 32 and gave Argentina a lot of trouble.

Yes. What I meant was that Cape Verde doesn't have the top players in this World Cup. Those players weren't very famous before, and many people only got to know them through this World Cup. But I've always believed that's how football is. If the 11 players on the field, and the substitutes, all understand how the team should play in attack and defense, then that team is very difficult to beat.

Cape Verde is that kind of team; they know exactly how to play on both ends of the pitch, which is how we felt on the field. They have a mature defensive system and know how to create opportunities through counter-attacks, and they did indeed almost capitalize on us a few times. Since this happened to us, I think it could happen to other teams as well, and this World Cup has proven that.

You said in an interview a few days ago that journalists don't understand football.

No, I explained it later. I was probably a bit emotional at the time, which is why I said that, and I tried to explain it clearly afterwards. What I meant was that journalists understand football differently than I do, and I consider myself to understand football.

Of course. Do you think all players understand football?

Yes.

But some players don't actually like football.

I don't really like it.

You don't like football?

I'm not the type to analyze every single match or watch every single World Cup game. I'll watch the matches that relate to me and the Spanish national team. For the other half of the bracket, I usually only watch the quarterfinals or semifinals; I rarely watch the round of 32. I mainly focus on the teams that might become our opponents.

This surprised me a bit. I always thought you were the kind of person who was very meticulous and responsible, and even kept your room very tidy.

That's true.

Is that really the case?

Yes, a little. I am indeed quite particular, even a bit obsessive. But for me, training and match analysis have already given me a lot of exposure to football. Sometimes I need to shift my focus to other things.

Why did you joke about Julio Maldonado's (commentator's) predictions a few days ago?

I just found it quite interesting.

Do you guys often joke about his inaccurate predictions?

No, I didn't say his predictions were inaccurate.

Didn't you say "Leave the predictions to Julio Maldonado"?

No. When you asked me about match probabilities and such, I just said that I hadn't watched as many matches as Julio Maldonado.

I understand. Because we often joke about him, he's made a lot of predictions, but he's very brave and he's still doing it.

Even with so many predictions, there will always be times when you're wrong.

Of course. For example, in a match between Spain and France, if you were to assign a win probability to this game, how would you do it?

I have no idea.

Look, you're here again.

I probably have a ratio in my head, but I don't want to say it. Because a lot can happen during a match, and that statement will likely be brought up again, so I'll leave it at that. I can roughly imagine how the match will go, but I won't give a specific ratio.

Can you understand why the outside world considers France the favorite and thinks they will perform better than Spain?

I can understand why some people think Spain is the favorite, and others think Spain performed better, or that France was better in certain matches. Every team has its strengths. France has strong finishing ability and some players with outstanding individual skills. If these players can contribute to the team, they will be very dangerous.

We know our strength lies in our teamwork. This is similar to what I said earlier about Cape Verde. We are a team that knows very well how to play on both ends of the pitch, and such a team is very difficult to beat.