Luis de la Fuente has expressed that Spain has “regained the spirit of 2010” ahead of their Nations League match against Croatia. The team, current European and world champions, secured their second World Cup title in July by defeating Argentina in the final.
During their successful run, they maintained a remarkable 39-match unbeaten streak in regular time, winning 30 of those fixtures and drawing nine. They recently extended this streak with an impressive comeback victory of 3-2 over England, where Mikel Oyarzabal came off the bench to score the decisive goal.
Spain’s upcoming game will be a home match in Seville, marking their first time playing on home soil since their World Cup triumph. “It brings us pride to see our country rally behind the national team,” De la Fuente stated during his press conference. “We have embraced the spirit of 2010; there’s a renewed pride in being Spanish. I feel privileged to coach my nation, especially with my home in Seville, which adds to the emotional depth of this moment.”
Spain has a solid record against Croatia, remaining unbeaten in their last three encounters, with two victories and one draw that they eventually won in penalties during the Nations League. Like Spain, Croatia also secured a win in their opening match against Czechia, trailing Spain only on goal difference in Group A3.
“I absolutely believe Croatia can compete, but it’s crucial they believe it too,” De la Fuente remarked about their next opponents. “If they don’t, they won’t put in the effort. Every match has its challenges, and even if we seem stronger, there’s always a chance to lose. We know Croatia well after many encounters; they have top-notch players and a talented new coach. We need to perform even better than we did in London. Our players are aware that as the competition grows, so must our standards.”
Fan Take: This news is significant for soccer enthusiasts as it showcases Spain’s revival and resilience after their recent World Cup victory, which can energize fans and players alike. A strong performance against Croatia could set the tone for future competitions and reinforce Spain’s dominance in international football.
Source: www.soccernews.com
