Luis de la Fuente Recalls Mexico's Dream: 'What If We Do Win the World Cup?'

Spanish national team coach Luis de la Fuente has responded to comments from French counterpart Didier Deschamps regarding pressure, stating he does not believe in favoritism and views the situation as a matter of responsibility rather than undue tension. De la Fuente emphasized that while pressure exists, it stems from their commitment to themselves and their country.

Reflecting on past encounters, De la Fuente acknowledged France as a formidable opponent, noting their significant improvement since their last meeting. He specifically highlighted the development of French attackers Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé, recognizing their increased experience and overall skill.

De la Fuente views the upcoming match as a critical test, a "fire test" that will determine Spain's readiness to compete for the World Cup. He stressed the importance of executing their game plan effectively, controlling the match, and capitalizing on opportunities while mitigating the opponent's strengths. The coach's objective is for Spain to be protagonists and play with passion, aiming to reach the final.

Looking ahead, De la Fuente shared his message to the players: to enjoy the unique occasion and play with passion. He expressed pride and a sense of privilege in coaching the team, hinting at the ultimate goal with a smile, recalling a famous phrase from Mexico's World Cup history: "What if we do win it?" This bold statement underscores his ambition for Spain to not only compete but to win the World Cup.