Luis de la Fuente: Spain Eager for Further Triumph Ahead of Clash with France

Although Spain triumphed in the European Championship last year and secured a spot in the Nations League semi-finals on Sunday, manager Luis de la Fuente insists that the young squad is eager to pursue further success.

Spain managed to overcome the Netherlands, winning 5-4 on penalties after the match concluded 5-5 on aggregate at Mestalla Stadium, paving the way for an exciting confrontation with France in Stuttgart on June 5th.

De la Fuente maintained that his team will fight until the final whistle, emphasizing their recent victory over England, where they clinched the EURO 2024 title with a 2-1 win in July.

The other semi-final in the Nations League will see Germany face Portugal.

“This national team is quite young, with a promising future ahead. What’s crucial is the players’ mentality. They are insatiable; they are driven to compete and aim for victory,” De la Fuente told reporters.

“It’s all about the fine details… I recall someone claiming two years ago that this was a minor competition. In the semi-finals, we have three former world champions and one European champion. They might defeat us, but we will put up a fight. I hope this national team stands the test of time, but of course, winning isn’t a guaranteed outcome all the time.”

De la Fuente also expressed admiration for 19-year-old centre back Dean Huijsen.

Huijsen, currently playing for Bournemouth in the English Premier League, was born in Amsterdam and had represented the Netherlands at junior levels before switching allegiance to Spain last year.

He made his debut against the Netherlands in the first leg on Thursday, facing a tough reception from the home fans in Rotterdam but still emerged as one of the standout players that evening.

“It felt as though he has been competing with us for quite a while. He is an exceptional individual who contributes immensely to the team. We’re thrilled to have him. He’s yet another addition to our growing family and cause,” De la Fuente remarked.