Spain focused on World Cup after Nations League defeat, says coach
Spain coach Luis de la Fuente has backed Alvaro Morata as 'a real champion' after the veteran striker missed his penalty against Portugal in the Nations League final. PHOTO: EPA-EFE
– Spain coach Luis de la Fuente said his side were 'already thinking about the World Cup' after their Nations League final loss on penalties to Portugal on June 8 in Munich.
'From this very moment we are already thinking about the next World Cup, which is our goal. With the way we approach things, we are sure to go far in the future. Our team is always in a position to win, there is a lot of commitment, a lot of roots. We will always be close to winning,' de la Fuente said.
After 21 minutes, midfielder Martin Zubimendi took advantage of some sleepy Portugal defence to put Spain in front. Just five minutes later, brilliant fullback Nuno Mendes levelled proceedings at the Allianz Arena.
Striker Mikel Oyarzabal, Spain's goalscorer in the Euro 2024 final and the 2023 Nations League final, put La Roja back in front just before the break.
Cristiano Ronaldo, quiet as he had been before scoring the winner against Germany in the semis, equalised with 61 minutes gone, adjusting quickly after a Mendes cross was deflected into the air, muscling past fullback Marc Cucurella and volleying the ball home.
Ronaldo was subbed off before full-time with cramp. Even though Portugal had the better of extra time, the match went to penalties. Both sides converted their first three spot-kicks. Mendes buried Portugal's fourth, before striker Alvaro Morata stepped up and shot straight at goalkeeper Diogo Costa.
Ruben Neves kept his nerves and converted in front of the red and green of the Portugal fans for their second Nations league title.
De la Fuente, however, said the match was 'equal' and he was 'proud' of his side.
'We did a lot well but, in football, sometimes things happen and the opponent is able to beat you,' the 63-year-old said.
'Details do make the difference, and that was a game which was super balanced but, when we were coming to the end of the extra time, I thought we were doing enough to avoid going to penalties. Sadly, that's what decided the match and they, on the night, were just slightly better and more effective in the shootout.'
Spain won the 2023 Nations League and the Euro in 2024. Their loss on June 8 was their first competitive international defeat since going down to Scotland in March 2023 in a Euro qualifier.
La Roja's young core again impressed but the Nations League finals have again highlighted their reliance on 22-year-old midfielder Pedri.
In their wild 5-4 semi-final win over France on June 5, Pedri came off the pitch with the score at 5-1 before France scored three late goals. Three days later, Spain lost shape after the Barcelona midfielder was subbed off late in the game.
The coach admitted his players were tired after a long season, but praised Portugal.
'Portugal have done things very well, they have players of the highest level,' said de la Fuente, who backed Morata after his penalty miss, saying the veteran striker was 'a real champion' and 'a benchmark for us'.
'I'm sorry he missed the penalty, but many players don't want to take one. He took one and missed it, but that happens in football.' AFP, REUTERS
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