Luis de la Fuente says Spain are the most effective group on the planet after a scientific 2-0 win over France despatched La Roja into the World Cup ultimate 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 match and with Kylian Mbappe joint-top scorer on eight, have been restricted to only 0.3 anticipated targets throughout 90 minutes.
De la Fuente, talking after the ultimate whistle, struggled to include his emotion whereas insisting the job is just not but completed.
“It’s tough to explain how one feels, however I do know it’s one thing that resembles happiness,” he stated. “The pleasure I’ve for each single one among this group of gamers is nice, however now we now have 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 big duty, and to be within the ultimate of a World Cup is a luxurious. It is just for the chosen ones and the remainder must attempt to repeat it, not on this squad, however once we began virtually 4 years in the past with an concept, a philosophy, and that has introduced us right here. I’m so pleased with this.”
‘They make the tough 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.
“At this time we performed one of many nationwide groups on the planet, however they got here up in opposition to the most effective group on the planet,” he stated.
“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 at present. They make the tough look really easy. Completely happy, 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 group 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 around the globe.
“Complete gratitude for the massive shows of assist and affection and power 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 ultimate, which takes place on July 19.
