De la Fuente: Spain Revived 2010 Spirit After Beating France to Reach World Cup Final

Spain manager Luis de la Fuente declared that his team has reignited the spirit of their triumphant 2010 World Cup campaign following a commanding 2-0 victory over France in the semifinals. This win has propelled Spain into the final, placing them just one match away from securing their second global title. The Spanish side successfully neutralized a potent French attack that had scored 16 goals prior to the semifinal, effectively stifling one of the tournament's most feared offenses. France failed to register a single shot on target until the final ten minutes of the match.

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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.

"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 stated at a press conference. He lauded his players for their unwavering commitment, solidarity, and talent, noting their ability to make difficult plays appear effortless. "These players show commitment, solidarity and talent. They make the difficult look easy. They have talent and the right attitude towards life and sport. I see a happy dressing room and a nation behind us. We've recaptured the spirit of 2010. The character of this team is evident in the fact that those who didn't play have stayed behind to train after the match."

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These players show commitment, solidarity and talent. They make the difficult look easy. They have talent and the right attitude towards life and sport.

De la Fuente emphasized the foundation of humility and shared purpose within his squad, attributing Spain's strength to the collective effort and absence of egos. "I believe the most important thing is knowing how to choose your travelling companions. If you make the wrong choice of travelling companions, you could end up with a problem," he remarked. "We know that this team, not just the players, but everyone who makes up the squad, works towards a common goal, with the same enthusiasm, and we are ordinary, generous people who seek the common good before our own individual interests."

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We've recaptured the spirit of 2010. The character of this team is evident in the fact that those who didn't play have stayed behind to train after the match.

Spain, having also won Euro 2024, has now matched Italy's record of 37 consecutive unbeaten matches. However, De la Fuente believes his players still have potential for growth. "This team never ceases to amaze me. The scope for improvement is endless," he said. "It was a labour of love, a process. It was about reaching the crucial moment in the best possible shape." De la Fuente expressed a desire to face Argentina in the final due to his friendship with manager Lionel Scaloni, while also acknowledging England and describing the other semifinal as a match that "could easily be the World Cup final."

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I believe the most important thing is knowing how to choose your travelling companions. If you make the wrong choice of travelling companions, you could end up with a problem.