'We're back where we belong' – Luis de la Fuente brims with pride as Spain book Euro 2024 final spot

For the first time in 12 years, Spain is in the final of a European Championship. They arrived on Tuesday, came from behind to defeat France 2-1 in the first semi-final in Munich.

Lamine Yamal and Dani Olmo got the goals for La Roja as they made it six wins from six at Euro 2024 – becoming the first team to win six in a row at a European Championship. Much of the credit for this will go to Luis de la Fuente, who masterminded this run to the final in his first major tournament as Spain manager.

Speaking post-match (via MD), de la Fuente spoke of his pride in his Spanish team reaching the finals of Euro 2024.

“We are very happy, the happiness was already great to get here, but now it is much greater. I feel very proud for these players, they are exceptional, they know how to play and read the games in an extraordinary way.

“We have returned Spanish football where it belongs. We must value what these players are doing. We want to continue making history, we do not want to relax, we must stay focused to face the final in Berlin.”

Spain face either England or the Netherlands in Sunday's final, and for de la Fuente, it doesn't matter much who his team meets.

“No matter who the opponent is, we have already seen the journey we have made in this European Championship. They are two great rivals and we await them with open arms. We want to win the final.”