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“The Spanish star is the light that guides us… and Lamin has played his most important games.”
Spain coach Luis de la Fuente insisted his country deserved to qualify for the World Cup quarter-finals after Mikel Merino’s goal beat Portugal in the round of 16 on Monday.
He described the clash as an “early final” between two top-level teams.
He said: “It was a great match between two teams at a very high level. It’s a pity that one of them had to leave the tournament. Before the match, we said it was a semi-final and in the end we solved it wonderfully.”
Merino… the man of defining moments
The Spanish coach praised Mikel Merino, who scored the winning goal, saying: “Mikel Merino never disappoints. He is a reliable player. He has given us the European title before and he is an exceptional player and one of the best players in the world in his position and his demeanor on and off the pitch is second to none.”
When asked about Merino’s decision not to play from the start before scoring the goal in the qualifiers, he explained: “I always make decisions according to what I think is best for the team. I might take advantage of this situation now, but I don’t want to. Mikel is a player you can count on when the team needs him and I’m totally happy with him.”
Read also… Ronaldo. I leave with a clear conscience… and Portugal won nothing before me
Ronaldo and the quarter-final opponent
De La Fuente talked about his conversation with Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo after the game, saying: “I have spoken with Cristiano many times. I admire him, his values and his lifestyle, and I told him so. I think he is a role model for young people.”
The Spanish coach refused to worry about the next opponent in the quarter-finals, adding: “First we will celebrate reaching the quarter-finals, then we will meet any opponent. We are very calm and have a lot of experience in such tournaments, even when we play against the host country. This team does not back down in major tournaments.”
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Spain’s secret…the power of the group
“I am very happy with this generation and Mikel Merino is one of them. I promised her beforehand that I would go and take her home. He always gives us great results. I would also like to praise all the players who played in the second half.”
He emphasized that the Spanish national team is still able to develop despite the level they showed against Portugal, explaining: “There is always room for improvement. We recognize the extent of the demands of the World Cup and the team continues to develop. It was an exceptional match between the best midfielders in the world and we are very lucky. I don’t care who our next opponent is. deserved to reach this stage.”
Read also: Ronaldo’s former teammate after Spain’s slap. I don’t want to say what I might regret.
Rodri “The Light”…and Yamal creates his own future
De La Fuente singled out midfielder Rhodri for special praise, saying: “For me, Rodri is the light that guides this team and that’s why I see him as the best player in the world in his position. If anyone dares to doubt him, I am completely amazed,” the website reports. every day good.
He concluded by praising Lamine Yamal’s performance against Portugal, despite a difficult encounter against Nuno Mendes, saying: “He played one of his most important games ever, a game that greatly contributed to his continued development. Perhaps Nuno’s injury was a result of the pressure Lamin put on him. and he still has a lot to achieve in this world championship.”
Also read: It broke the all-time record… Spain is unique in winning an unprecedented World Cup
