Polo: The key to having a good understanding with Yamal is understanding his needs; hoping to stop Mbappe.

Ahead of the World Cup semi-final against France, Porro gave an exclusive interview to Mundo Deportivo, discussing his performance in the tournament and his expectations for the next match.

You've secured a starting position, and you're still improving throughout this World Cup. How do you feel?

Great, I'm very confident. As everyone knows, getting here wasn't easy; it was tough for me too, but all my achievements stem from hard work and self-confidence. To be honest, I'm very happy.

Furthermore, thanks to your excellent working relationship with Yamal, your on-field chemistry is evident.

It's more of a matter of trust. As you play more games and get more playing time with him, you'll gradually get used to it. It's normal for the first few games to be tough, because I also play in England, but I've never played with him.

Everything will be a little more difficult, but it also comes down to understanding his needs in each game. In the game against Belgium, we focused more on defense because of Doku. In the first half, we successfully created the combination that led to the first goal. The key is the course of the game, what he needs, and what the team needs.

Is this something you practice off the field? Do you discuss it before the match?

Of course. We even communicate before and during the game. As I often say, communication helps us understand each other better. We get along very well, have a great relationship, and it's getting better and better. This is important for him, for the team, and for myself, and I'm very happy about it.

how do you say?

You want me to reveal the secrets... (laughs) It's nothing, just some game techniques, like what adjustments he needs to make based on the opponent's actions. I won't say too much, but these are things we need in the game.

Your offensive abilities have always been highly regarded, and you've also demonstrated excellent defensive skills.

Let outsiders judge this issue. They give the impression that I struggle defensively, which is obviously more difficult because I've always played as a wing-back and have never played as a full-back.

Since becoming a professional player, I've had to drop back defensively quite often. I played as a wing-back for many years, and now I play as a full-back in a four-man defense. My defensive skills are much better than before, but I'll leave that to the outside world to judge.

Ultimately, I was the one on the field who focused on my role, and I'm happy because I watch the replays after every game and see how I've improved each time. That's the lesson I've learned.

Next up is the match against France, which is undoubtedly the most anticipated game of this World Cup.

There are many excellent teams. France has performed brilliantly in this World Cup, and Argentina, England, and our team are also fantastic. This will be a thrilling match in world football, and I hope the game proceeds smoothly.

France has a forward line that can be described as having "four planes" (referring to four different types of aircraft). Isn't it impressive to see them?

They should see us that way too. Ultimately, the key is to focus on the game, on what we need to do well, and on every aspect of the game. We respect them, just as they respect us, and we hope we can achieve good results.

Spain's defense is excellent, but France has Mbappe, Dembele, Olise, Due, Bacola... up front.

This is probably one of the strongest attacking combinations in the World Cup. We must maintain 100% focus throughout the game because details determine success or failure, especially when facing players like them.

Furthermore, the support and cooperation of teammates are also crucial. We will make full preparations for Tuesday's game, taking all factors into account. As I said, it will be a great game.

What does facing Mbappe mean?

In my opinion, Mbappe is one of the best players in the world. He can change the course of a game, and he has performed exceptionally well in this World Cup. Hopefully, we can stop him on Tuesday.

Dembele or other strikers could also change the game; how should you respond?

We need to focus on ourselves. After all, we are one of the best teams, and we're on a 36-game unbeaten run. The key is to focus on ourselves, do everything well, and try to stop them from playing at their best. It's up to us.

You've beaten them twice in a row. Does that boost your confidence?

Every game is different. Although we have won our last two encounters, every game is different. We know they have many excellent players, and we must do our best. It will be a tough and exciting game.

A few days ago you said you were living your dream life, and you mentioned your partner and your grandfather. What do they mean to you?

They are the most important people in my life, and from an outsider's perspective, they are my biggest supporters. I am the one who fights and shoulders everything on the field, but their daily support off the field is invaluable. The least I can do is step onto the field and fight for them.

You only renewed your contract with Tottenham less than a month ago, but thanks to this World Cup and your connections, I've already started hearing things about how well you'll perform at Barcelona.

As I said before, I am very happy with my club now because they have always supported me. They gave me a contract extension that I believe I deserve. So, in that respect, I am very pleased.

As for Barcelona and the other clubs you mentioned, people always talk about these things and everyone hopes their own club is doing well. Right now, I'm focused on the national team and Tottenham. Let's wait and see what happens tomorrow.

Anything can happen on the football field. Right now, I'm focused on the national team, my club, and my contract renewal. As I said before, I'm very happy. They've given me everything, and I'm very grateful for that.