Mikel Oyarzabal after helping Spain qualify for the World Cup final: 'You don't even imagine it as a child'

Mikel Oyarzabal described the feeling of scoring the opening goal that sent Spain to the World Cup final as one of "happiness and satisfaction," admitting it was a scenario he never imagined as a child. "Obviously, I am immensely happy because it is something that you don't even imagine when you are small," Oyarzabal stated in the mixed zone. He added, "we are not entirely aware and we don't realize the magnitude of the World Cup, [that's why] we can be proud that we are in a final."

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Obviously, I am immensely happy because it is something that you don't even imagine when you are small.

The Spanish forward emphasized the team's unified approach, working together to execute coach Luis de la Fuente's strategy. "Everyone is working so that the team plays as Luis de la Fuente expects, and we believe that going for the same objective has allowed us to be 90 minutes away from achieving something historic that we would never have imagined," he explained. Oyarzabal stressed the importance of collective effort, stating, "Everyone goes in the same direction and with the same idea, that is the most important thing. In the end, it's about putting what each one has at the service of the team so that, collectively, it works out well."

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we are not entirely aware and we don't realize the magnitude of the World Cup, [that's why] we can be proud that we are in a final.

Reflecting on the semi-final victory, Oyarzabal pointed to the team's sustained intensity as a crucial factor. "We knew that if we settled for 0-1, we were going to suffer and perhaps it wouldn't be enough to win," he said. "But by doing the work without the ball that was required, there would be moments to attack and hurt them to get the second goal that would give us peace of mind, and that's how it was." The Real Sociedad player, who has scored five goals in the tournament, believes this approach allowed them to maintain pressure and secure the win.

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Everyone is working so that the team plays as Luis de la Fuente expects, and we believe that going for the same objective has allowed us to be 90 minutes away from achieving something historic that we would never have imagined.

Mikel Merino also shared his thoughts, urging the team to stay focused, enjoy the moment, and recover well for the final. "We have to be concentrated, enjoy to the fullest, rest and recover to arrive on Sunday in the best way," Merino said, looking ahead to their final match in New York. The team aims to achieve "a great celebration there."

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Everyone goes in the same direction and with the same idea, that is the most important thing. In the end, it's about putting what each one has at the service of the team so that, collectively, it works out well.