Spain coach Luis de la Fuente commended his team’s depth, unity, and selflessness after a 2-1 victory over Belgium secured their spot in the FIFA World Cup semi-finals. Fabian Ruiz, starting in place of Pedri, scored the opener, while substitute Mikel Merino netted the winner shortly after coming on.
Merino’s winning goal marked his third impactful substitution under De la Fuente, highlighting the squad’s versatility. De la Fuente emphasized the challenge of squad selection but praised every player’s understanding of their roles within the team.
De la Fuente stressed the collective effort of the team over individual performances, underscoring the importance of each player’s contribution, whether on the field or not. He credited the team’s success to their professionalism and character, fostering a harmonious and productive environment.
Looking ahead to the semi-final against France, De la Fuente acknowledged the formidable challenge posed by the tournament favorites. He anticipated a tough match requiring fresh and energetic players but expressed confidence in Spain’s capabilities and determination.
