De la Fuente praises his team: "Best team in the world"

Will they add the World Cup title after the European Championship?

"It's hard to describe my feelings. But I think it's something similar to happiness and pride to coach this group of exceptional players," said national team coach Luis de la Fuente after the win over France.

The 65-year-old has been Spain's national team coach since late 2022. In 2023, he led the "Furia Roja" to the Nations League title. A year later, he also won the European Championship.

"Almost four years ago, we started with a clear idea – and we have remained true to that idea to this day. That is exactly what has brought us to this point. Today we met one of the best national teams in the world. But they were up against the best team in the world. That's the difference," De la Fuente praised his squad.

"Silenced many critics"

"Honestly, I couldn't have imagined this even in my wildest dreams. I'm incredibly happy and above all proud of the team's attitude from the first to the last minute," beamed goalscorer Pedro Porro.

The Tottenham defender scored his second national team goal against France. He first found success in the round of 32 against Austria. "This success belongs to the entire team and not just to me. I can only congratulate everyone, because they delivered a fantastic game," said the 26-year-old.

Barcelona defensive talent Pau Cubarsi also praised his teammates: "Keeping a clean sheet is one of the most important factors in football because it helps a team enormously. Maybe there were doubts about our defense or our goalkeepers in between, but I believe we have silenced many critics. We have only conceded one goal in the entire tournament so far and are in the final. That shows what impressive work we are doing."

Lucky charm Yamal

Offensive star Lamine Yamal has only contributed one World Cup scorer so far with his goal in the group stage against Saudi Arabia. Against France, however, the 19-year-old won the penalty for the 1-0 and is also otherwise considered a Spanish lucky charm.

In World Cup and European Championship matches, Yamal has started a total of twelve times – and in all twelve games, he has emerged victorious.

"These players have earned everything. Day by day, they have demonstrated their commitment, their team spirit, their solidarity, their generosity, and their extraordinary talent. They manage to make even the most difficult things look effortless," said De la Fuente.

"We still have one step ahead of us and will give everything," the coach looked ahead to Sunday.

In 2010, the Spanish beat the Netherlands 1-0 in the final in South Africa. In the upcoming final in New Jersey, they will face either England or Argentina. The second semi-final takes place on Wednesday (from 9:00 PM in the LIVE-Ticker >>>).