Spain's De la Fuente: "This Generation is a Role Model"

World and European champions, unbeaten in 38 games and thus setting a world record – Spain is the benchmark in football.

The "Furia Roja" reigns at the top of the world again, 16 years after their last and previously only World Cup title, after being eliminated in the round of 16 against Morocco four years ago.

De la Fuente Forged a Family

Luis Enrique's tenure thus came to an end, and Luis de la Fuente took over the Iberians in his place. And the 65-year-old shaped them into the strongest nation on Earth over the following four years.

"I am very proud of this generation of footballers who grew up with this playing philosophy and have always remained true to it. The team is a family, a collective of great players. I am proud to have been able to accompany them on this journey," he says.

De la Fuente had already worked with today's world champions for years in Spain's youth teams, becoming European champion with the U19 and U21 selections. Goalkeeper Unai Simón, for example, was part of both teams.

A Test of Patience in the Final

For the dream of winning the second World Cup in Spanish football history to become a reality, patience was required.

"Of course, we would have liked to have won much earlier, but Emiliano Martinez prevented that," he says, praising the Argentinian goalkeeper.

Spain was superior against Argentina, with Lionel Messi and Co. completely shut down. But in attack, Spain often lacked the decisive idea; even young star Lamine Yamal was unlucky.

"We tried again and again to score a goal, but we didn't succeed. But this is a World Cup final – even against ten men in the end, we had to suffer. But we like to suffer, and I'll say it again: we were prepared for everything," said de la Fuente.

A Role Model for Spanish Sport and Youth

Also for the great jubilation when substitute Ferran Torres scored the winning goal in the 106th minute. Only in the final minutes did "La Roja" have to tremble a little, but with the final whistle, the celebration knew no bounds.

"I can't really tell you how I feel. I can only say: it was worth it. Of course, I am very emotional at the moment," says the head coach, who simultaneously appears calm.

He had spoken a lot with the players, who told him: "'Boss, we've won everything.' That's great," beams the 65-year-old from Haro, a small town in northern Spain.

Finally, de la Fuente says: "This generation of players is a role model for Spanish sport, for Spanish youth. Together we are much stronger, and that's why we don't forget anyone."