16/07/2026

SPORTS THURSDAY | JULY 16, 2026

30

2026 WORLD CUP

‘Labour of love’ De la Fuente says Spain have recaptured 2010 spirit after France masterclass behind us. We’ve recaptured the spirit of 2010. The character of this team is evident in the fact that those who didn’t play have stayed behind to train after the match.” De la Fuente praised a squad he said had

S PAIN manager Luis de la Fuente said his side had revived the spirit of their 2010 World Cup triumph after a commanding 2 0 win over France yesterday sent them into the final and left them one victory from a second global title. Spain, who won their first World Cup 16 years ago, neutralised a France attack that had scored 16 goals before the semifinal and had been regarded as one of the tournament’s most danger ous. France did not manage a shot on target until after the 80-minute mark. “These players show commitment, solidarity and talent. They make the difficult look easy. They have talent and the right attitude towards life and sport,” De la Fuente told a press conference. “I see a happy dressing room and a nation

“We know that this team – not just the players, but everyone who makes up the squad – works towards a common goal, with the same enthusi asm, and we are ordinary, generous people who seek the common good before our own individ ual interests.” Spain, who won Euro 2024, have now equalled Italy’s record of 37 consecutive unbeaten matches, but De la Fuente said his players still had room to grow. “This team never ceases to amaze me. The scope for improvement is endless,” he said. “It

was a labour of love, a process. It was about reaching the crucial moment in the best possible shape.” De la Fuente said he would like to face Argentina in the final because of his close friend ship with manager Lionel Scaloni, while also praising England and describing the other semifi nal as a match that “could easily be the World Cup final”. “I don’t believe in the idea that finals are there to be won. They’re there to be enjoyed,” he said. “What’s to come could be the icing on the cake.” – Reuters

been built on humility, shared purpose and the absence of egos, saying Spain’s strength came from everyone moving in the same direction. “I believe the most important thing is knowing how to choose your travelling companions. If you make the wrong choice of travelling companions, you could end up with a problem,” he said.

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Draw No: 6104/26

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Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente (right, in black) speaks with his players during a hydration break in the World Cup against France in Arlington yesterday. – AFPPIC

Porro hails team spirit

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one another, and that’s what has brought us this far.” Spain once again demon strated the qualities that have made them one of the tourna ment favourites, controlling pos session, pressing relentlessly and limiting France’s star-studded attack to only a handful of oppor tunities. Teenage sensation Lamine Yamal, who was once again at the heart of Spain’s attacking play, said the squad had remained focused despite the magnitude of the occasion. “We’re very happy because reaching a World Cup final is something every footballer dreams about,” Yamal said. “But we’re not satisfied yet. We came here to win the World Cup and now we have one more step to take.” Spain captain Alvaro Morata echoed that sentiment, urging his teammates to remain grounded ahead of Sunday’s showpiece. “We’ve achieved something special by reaching the final, but the job isn’t finished,” Morata said. “We’ve worked so hard throughout the tournament and now we have to recover well because the biggest match is still to come.” – AFP

PEDRO PORRO described reach ing the World Cup final as “a dream come true” after scoring in Spain’s superb 2-0 victory over France yesterday, as the European champions moved to within one win of lifting football’s biggest prize. The Tottenham Hotspur full back doubled Spain’s advantage with a clinical finish after another dominant display from Luis de la Fuente’s side, who outclassed the two-time world champions to book their place in Monday’s final. “(I am) very happy with the team’s attitude from start to fin ish,” Porro said after the victory. “I think we played a great match. We did everything we had to do today to reach the final. It’s a dream come true. “We knew (France) were a very, very tough team, one that had been doing things really well, and honestly, this is the team’s achievement, not mine at all.” The 26-year-old defender said Spain’s success had been built on unity rather than individual bril liance, with every player contrib uting to another polished per formance. “We played a fantastic match,” he added. “Everyone worked for

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