De la Fuente hails Spain's strength in depth after super-sub Merino strikes again

Spain manager Luis de la Fuente's strategic acumen propelled his team into the World Cup semi-finals with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Belgium. The quarter-final win, secured by goals from Fabian Ruiz and Mikel Merino, showcased De la Fuente's knack for impactful selection calls.

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It's unfair that Mikel doesn't play from the start, but it would also be unfair if someone else were left out. Only 11 can play, and they understand that – the role they have to play at any given moment. When they take to the pitch, they know what they have to do; that's why it's a pleasure to be their manager.

Ruiz, a surprise starter in place of Pedri, opened the scoring. The decisive moment came late in the match when Merino, having entered as a substitute in the 86th minute, capitalized on a rebound from a shot by Pau Cubarsi. This marked Merino's third consecutive knockout match-winner as a substitute under De la Fuente, a testament to his crucial role off the bench.

De la Fuente lauded his squad's collective spirit, stating, "It's unfair that Mikel doesn't play from the start, but it would also be unfair if someone else were left out." He stressed that every player understands their role and contributes to the team's success. "What matters is the team," he asserted, highlighting that individual contributions are secondary to the collective goal.

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What matters is the team. It doesn't matter who starts the match. Everyone is important, even those who haven't played.

When asked about player satisfaction amidst fierce competition, De la Fuente praised the squad's maturity and professionalism. "One of our strengths as a team is that we have not only the best players in the world – which they are – but also the best people, people who make it easier for everyone to get on together," he said. This unity, built on respect, is a cornerstone of the national team's philosophy.

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One of our strengths as a team is that we have not only the best players in the world – which they are – but also the best people, people who make it easier for everyone to get on together. So we shouldn't be surprised that they understand their roles, because I believe this is possible in any field, in any profession. It's on the basis of respect that we build everything, and this national team is also an example of that.

Spain now faces tournament favorites France in the semi-finals. De la Fuente anticipates a challenging encounter, acknowledging France's "extraordinary, exceptional potential" while expressing confidence in his own team's capabilities. "The match is wide open; it will call for fresh, energetic players ... but now that we're here, we're going to give it our all," he concluded.

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France have already shown some extraordinary, exceptional potential, and so have we. The match is wide open; it will call for fresh, energetic players ... but now that we're here, we're going to give it our all.