Luis de la Fuente said Spain is the best team in the world after their 2-0 win over France sent La Roja through to the second round. World Cup Final for the first time since their victory in 2010.
Mikel Oyarzabal converted a penalty kick in the 22nd minute after Lucas Digne fouled Lamine Yamal inside the penalty area, before Pedro Porro doubled the lead before the hour mark.
France, which arrived in Arlington having scored 16 goals in the tournament and with Kylian Mbappe top scorer with eight goals, were limited to just 0.3 expected goals per 90 minutes.
De la Fuente, who was speaking after the final whistle, struggled to contain his emotions while insisting the job was not finished yet.
“It’s hard to describe what one feels, but I know it’s something like happiness,” he said. “The pride I feel for each one of this group of players is great, but now we have to keep going. We still have one more step to go. We will try to achieve it.
“A lot of stress builds up, it’s a big responsibility, and qualifying for a World Cup final is a luxury. It’s only for those who are selected and the rest have to try to replicate that, not in this squad, but when we started almost four years ago with an idea and a philosophy, and that’s what got us here. I’m very proud of that.”
“They make the difficult look so easy.”
Spain’s performance against France, which had conceded only two goals in the tournament, was widely admired, and De La Fuente was not open in his assessment of his team’s place among the elite of world football.
He said: “Today we played with one of the national teams in the world, but they faced the best team in the world.”
“This is different. These players deserve everything because day after day they show their commitment, generosity and talent. It was great to see them playing amazingly today. They make difficult things look so easy. Happy and proud and what calms me now is that we are starting to realize where we are.”
“It is a great honor to be Spanish”
De la Fuente, who took over as coach of the national team in 2022 and is unbeaten since losing to Colombia shortly after his appointment, also took time to address fans watching the match from home and around the world.
“Complete gratitude for the great support, affection and strength they have sent us,” he said. “It’s an honor to be Spanish, and it’s an honor to feel like you’re bringing together an entire country.”
Spain will face the winner of the second semi-final match between England and Argentina in the World Cup final, which will be held on July 19.
