Luis de la Fuente says Spain are the most effective workforce on the planet after a scientific 2-0 win over France despatched La Roja into the World Cup remaining for the primary time since their triumph in 2010.
Mikel Oyarzabal transformed a penalty within the twenty second minute after Lucas Digne fouled Lamine Yamal within the field, earlier than Pedro Porro doubled the benefit simply earlier than the hour mark.
France, who arrived in Arlington having scored 16 targets within the event and with Kylian Mbappe joint-top scorer on eight, had been restricted to simply 0.3 anticipated targets throughout 90 minutes.
De la Fuente, talking after the ultimate whistle, struggled to include his emotion whereas insisting the job shouldn’t be but completed.
“It’s tough to explain how one feels, however I do know it’s one thing that resembles happiness,” he stated. “The delight I’ve for each single one in all this group of gamers is nice, however now we’ve got to maintain going. We nonetheless have yet one more step to go. We’re going to attempt to obtain it.
“Numerous pressure builds up, it’s a enormous accountability, and to be within the remaining of a World Cup is a luxurious. It’s only for the chosen ones and the remaining should attempt to repeat it, not on this squad, however after we began nearly 4 years in the past with an concept, a philosophy, and that has introduced us right here. I’m so happy with this.”
‘They make the tough look really easy’
Spain’s efficiency towards a France aspect that had conceded solely twice all event drew widespread admiration, and De la Fuente was unfiltered in his evaluation of the place his aspect stands amongst world soccer’s elite.
“Right now we performed one of many nationwide groups on the planet, however they got here up towards the most effective workforce on the planet,” he stated.
“That’s completely different. These gamers deserve all of it as a result of they present day after day their dedication, their generosity, their expertise. It was marvellous to see them play so spectacularly at the moment. They make the tough look really easy. Pleased, proud and what calms me now’s that we begin to realise the place we’re.”
‘It’s an honour to be Spanish’
De la Fuente, who took over the nationwide workforce in 2022 and has gone with out defeat since a loss to Colombia shortly after his appointment, additionally took time to handle the supporters watching from house and world wide.
“Complete gratitude for the large shows of assist and affection and energy that they ship to us,” he stated. “It’s an honour to be Spanish, it’s an honour to really feel like you’re bringing collectively a complete nation.”
Spain will face the winner of the second semi-final between England and Argentina within the World Cup remaining, which takes place on July 19.
