Los Angeles, July 11: Spain’s head coach Luis de la Fuente expressed immense pride in his team’s depth, unity, and contributions from all players following their impressive 2-1 victory over Belgium in the quarterfinals of the FIFA World Cup 2026. This win secured Spain a spot in the semifinals.
Two crucial decisions by the coach played a significant role in this victory. De la Fuente opted to include Fabian Ruiz in the starting lineup instead of star player Pedri. Ruiz justified the coach’s trust by scoring the first goal for Spain. Additionally, Mikel Merino, who came on as a substitute in the second half, netted the winning goal in the 88th minute after being introduced just two minutes earlier.
Merino’s performance is not new for Spain; he has previously scored vital goals coming off the bench in major matches. Notably, he scored during extra time against Germany in the Euro 2024 quarterfinals and also netted a decisive goal against Portugal in the World Cup Round of 16.
De la Fuente acknowledged that leaving any player out of the starting team is a tough decision. However, he emphasized that every player understands their responsibilities. He stated, “Only 11 players can start, but every member of the team is important.” He added, “It’s not fair that Mikel didn’t start, but it wouldn’t be fair to leave another player out either. Every player knows their role in different situations. Whenever they get the chance, they step onto the field fully prepared.”
The coach refused to credit the victory to any single player, asserting that Spain’s success is a result of collective effort. According to him, the contributions of both those on the field and those supporting from the sidelines are equally significant. He remarked, “The team is what matters most. It doesn’t matter who starts the match. Every player has their importance, including those who don’t play.”
De la Fuente also highlighted the positive atmosphere and mutual respect within the team as key factors for their success. He noted that his squad comprises some of the world’s best players and individuals who know how to work together. He said, “The greatest strength of our players is their understanding of their roles. They think for the team and respect each other. That’s why the team is progressing so well.”
Spain’s next challenge in the FIFA World Cup 2026 semifinals will be against France on Tuesday. France is considered one of the strongest teams in the tournament. De la Fuente acknowledged the upcoming match will be highly challenging, but his team is prepared. He stated, “France has incredible talent and experience, but Spain has also shown its capabilities. It will be a tough match that requires energy and fitness. We’ve come this far, and now we will strive to give our best performance.”
Leave a Comment