Spain's manager Luis de la Fuente basked in the glow of a 2-0 victory over France that propelled his side into the World Cup final, a result that has reignited memories of the country's 2010 championship. He praised the squad's spirit, unity and talent, drawing a direct line between the current team and the side that lifted the trophy a decade ago.
The Spanish defense neutralized a French attack that had scored 16 goals before the semi-final, limiting the opposition to a single shot on target that did not arrive until the 80th minute. De la Fuente highlighted the humility and collective focus that have defined the group, noting that even substitutes remained on the pitch after the final whistle to train.
He pointed out that Spain has now equaled Italy's record of 37 consecutive unbeaten matches, a milestone that underscores the durability of his side. The coach added that his players still have room to grow and that the team continues to surprise him with their commitment and quality.
Looking Ahead to the Final
De la Fuente revealed a personal connection with Argentina's manager Lionel Scaloni, expressing a desire to meet his friend in the championship match. He also praised England's performance in the other semi-final, describing it as a contest that could easily have been the final itself, and reminded readers that finals are meant to be enjoyed as much as they are contested.