Luis de la Fuente says Spain are the perfect staff on the earth after a medical 2-0 win over France despatched La Roja into the World Cup last 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 objectives within the match and with Kylian Mbappe joint-top scorer on eight, have been restricted to only 0.3 anticipated objectives throughout 90 minutes.
De la Fuente, talking after the ultimate whistle, struggled to comprise his emotion whereas insisting the job will not be but completed.
“It’s troublesome to explain how one feels, however I do know it’s one thing that resembles happiness,” he mentioned. “The delight I’ve for each single one among this group of gamers is nice, however now now we have to maintain going. We nonetheless have yet one more step to go. We’re going to attempt to obtain it.
“Quite a lot of stress builds up, it’s a large duty, and to be within the last 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 once we began virtually 4 years in the past with an thought, a philosophy, and that has introduced us right here. I’m so pleased with this.”
‘They make the troublesome look really easy’
Spain’s efficiency in opposition to a France aspect that had conceded solely twice all match drew widespread admiration, and De la Fuente was unfiltered in his evaluation of the place his aspect stands amongst world soccer’s elite.
“As we speak we performed one of many nationwide groups on the earth, however they got here up in opposition to the perfect staff on the earth,” he mentioned.
“That’s totally 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 immediately. They make the troublesome look really easy. Completely happy, proud and what calms me now could be that we begin to realise the place we’re.”
‘It’s an honour to be Spanish’
De la Fuente, who took over the nationwide staff 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 dwelling and all over the world.
“Whole gratitude for the massive shows of help and affection and energy that they ship to us,” he mentioned. “It’s an honour to be Spanish, it’s an honour to really feel like you’re bringing collectively an entire nation.”
Spain will face the winner of the second semi-final between England and Argentina within the World Cup last, which takes place on July 19.
