Luis de la Fuente only recently became coach of Spain’s national football team. He started his tenure with a thrilling draw against the Netherlands. On Thursday, the first leg match was held at the Mestalla Stadium, ending a wild tie on aggregate 5-5. After a dramatic drawn out match, Spain advanced by beating the Netherlands 5-4 in penalties. After he was welcomed by a hostile home crowd in Rotterdam, De la Fuente stood out as a performer and carried his underage team into the Nations League semi-finals.
Spain’s next test will be a big one, as they’re due to face France in a heavyweight clash in Stuttgart on June 5. What keeps the team intrepid and forward-looking in the face of the opposition? They’re riding the momentum of that success, including their success at last year’s European Championship. With De la Fuente at the helm, Spain are hellbent on pursuing even more glory in the tournament.
A Promising Start for De la Fuente
Luis de la Fuente's debut as Spain's coach was met with mixed emotions from fans, especially given the tense atmosphere in Rotterdam. Despite this, he was still able to keep his composure and guide his squad through a heart-stopping shootout.
With Huijsen being just 19, De la Fuente had plenty of praise for his young centre back’s performance. Huijsen’s skills were amazing, scary good, skateboarding on steroids kind of impressive.
"He seemed to have been competing with us for a long time. He is a wonderful guy and brings a lot to the table. We are very happy. Another one who joins this cause and this family, which is growing all the time," De la Fuente stated.
Spain's Determination and Spirit
Spain's national team, known for its youthful vigor and competitive spirit, is hungry for more victories under De la Fuente's guidance. The coach spoke to the team’s almighty and unquenchable thirst to win and dominate their competition.
"I think this national team is very young, it has a very long way to go and the important thing is the attitude of the players. They are insatiable, they want to keep competing, they want to compete to win," said De la Fuente.
Even with these hurdles looming, De la Fuente is hopeful of Spain’s chances in the Nations League.
"But these are details… I remember that two years ago some enlightened person said it was a minor competition. In the semi-finals, three world champions and one European champion. They can beat us, but we will fight. I hope there will be a national team for a long time, but you can't win all the time," he added.
Looking Ahead to France
Having one foot already in the final, and with their sights firmly set on a future semi-final encounter with France, Spain look ready to produce another dominant display. That makes the upcoming match in Stuttgart, a possible early final, a highly anticipated showdown between two football powerhouses.
The Spanish squad’s confidence has built with each victory, but they are well aware of what is at stake against their formidable French rivals. De la Fuente has emphasized that his team is ready to battle until the very end, regardless of whom they face.
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