Facing Portugal and Ronaldo ‘a blessing': Spain coach La Fuente
DPA
Munich
Spain coach Luis de la Fuente is anticipating Sunday's Nations League final against Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal where they can claim a third title in as many years.
Spain are defending champions from their 2023 success and also won Euro 2024.
They are considered favourites on Sunday but De la Fuente also voiced a lot of praise for Portugal and especially their 40-year-old captain Ronaldo on Saturday.
'It's a blessing to face Portugal and a footballer who has shaped an era and a legacy,' De la Fuente said.
The match is also billed as a duel of the generations between Ronaldo and Spain's 17-year old Lamine Yamal.
De La Fuente reiterated that Yamal is completely relaxed among all the hype around him, saying: 'He deals with it in a completely normal way. That makes him so special.'
Ronaldo scored Portugal's 2-1 winner in Wednesday's semi-final, and Yamal got a brace in Spain's epic 5-4 over France the next day.
De la Fuente said he would prefer his team to concede fewer goals in general but hailed the semi-final game as 'historic' and 'a homage to football.'
Ronaldo not fuessed
over Yamal
Sunday's Nations League final which has been dubbed a duel of the generations between him and Spain teenager Lamine Yamal.
Ronaldo, 40, told reporters on Saturday that there have been such comparisons between him and another player.
'It is are completely different generations. One begins, another ends,' Ronaldo said.
Ronaldo said that Yamal, who turns 18 next month. has a lot of quality. He added that young Barcelona star should be left to grow up in peace and not put under too much pressure.
Five-time Ballon d'Or winner Ronaldo scored Portugal's 2-1 winner in Wednesday's semi-final against Germany, his 137th goal in 220 caps - both extending world records.
Yamal is considered a top candidate for this year's Player of the Year award. He added to his credentials by scoring a brace in Spain's 5-4 win over France in the other semi-final.
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Facing Portugal and Ronaldo ‘a blessing': Spain coach La Fuente
DPA Munich Spain coach Luis de la Fuente is anticipating Sunday's Nations League final against Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal where they can claim a third title in as many years. Spain are defending champions from their 2023 success and also won Euro 2024. They are considered favourites on Sunday but De la Fuente also voiced a lot of praise for Portugal and especially their 40-year-old captain Ronaldo on Saturday. 'It's a blessing to face Portugal and a footballer who has shaped an era and a legacy,' De la Fuente said. The match is also billed as a duel of the generations between Ronaldo and Spain's 17-year old Lamine Yamal. De La Fuente reiterated that Yamal is completely relaxed among all the hype around him, saying: 'He deals with it in a completely normal way. That makes him so special.' Ronaldo scored Portugal's 2-1 winner in Wednesday's semi-final, and Yamal got a brace in Spain's epic 5-4 over France the next day. De la Fuente said he would prefer his team to concede fewer goals in general but hailed the semi-final game as 'historic' and 'a homage to football.' Ronaldo not fuessed over Yamal Sunday's Nations League final which has been dubbed a duel of the generations between him and Spain teenager Lamine Yamal. Ronaldo, 40, told reporters on Saturday that there have been such comparisons between him and another player. 'It is are completely different generations. One begins, another ends,' Ronaldo said. Ronaldo said that Yamal, who turns 18 next month. has a lot of quality. He added that young Barcelona star should be left to grow up in peace and not put under too much pressure. Five-time Ballon d'Or winner Ronaldo scored Portugal's 2-1 winner in Wednesday's semi-final against Germany, his 137th goal in 220 caps - both extending world records. Yamal is considered a top candidate for this year's Player of the Year award. He added to his credentials by scoring a brace in Spain's 5-4 win over France in the other semi-final.
