Spain manager Luis de la Fuente declared that his side has revived the spirit of their 2010 World Cup triumph, following a commanding 2-0 victory over France in the semifinals on Tuesday. The win puts Spain one match away from securing their second world title.
Spain, who first lifted the World Cup 16 years ago, stifled a France attack that had scored 16 goals prior to the semifinal and was considered one of the tournament's most lethal. France failed to register a shot on target until after the 80th minute, squandering their chance to reach a third consecutive final.
"The message was that we were up against one of the best teams in the world, but that they were up against the best team in the world," de la Fuente told reporters. "These players show commitment, solidarity and talent. They make the difficult look easy."
De la Fuente praised his squad's humility and unity, saying, "I see a happy dressing room and a nation behind us. We've recaptured the spirit of 2010." He highlighted the team's character, noting that even players who didn't feature in the match stayed behind to train afterward.
"The most important thing is knowing how to choose your travelling companions," de la Fuente said. "We work towards a common goal with the same enthusiasm, and we are ordinary, generous people who seek the common good before our own individual interests."
Spain, winners of Euro 2024, have now equaled Italy's record of 37 consecutive unbeaten matches. Yet de la Fuente insists there is room for improvement. "This team never ceases to amaze me. The scope for improvement is endless," he said.
Looking ahead, de la Fuente expressed a preference to face Argentina in the final due to his friendship with Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni, while also praising England and calling the other semifinal a match that "could easily be the World Cup final."
"I don't believe in the idea that finals are there to be won. They're there to be enjoyed," he said. "What's to come could be the icing on the cake."