Head coach Luis de la Fuente said Spain needed to be stronger and “a more visible team” to beat hosts Germany in the quarter-finals of Uefa Euro 2024.
La Roja continued their impressive campaign by coming from behind to beat Georgia 4-1 in the round of 16, dominating after the tournament newcomers took the lead in the 18th minute through Robin Le Normand.
“It's a credit to the players,” De la Fuente told La1, via AS. “They are the ones who have to interpret these situations: when they have to run more, they have to run less, they have to have the ball.
“Despair and anxiety could have spread but we managed to stay calm all the time and scored goals. It could have been more but it is one more step towards improvement, confidence and security for all of us.”
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Spain vs Georgia: 'important' result
De la Fuente called the result “misleading” and said it could have been “eight or 9-1” against Spain's 7-1 and 3-1 qualifiers.
Rodri equalized six minutes before the break and Fabian Ruiz, Nico Williams and Dani Olmo scored in the second half as Georgia failed to score.
“You must suffer,” remarked De la Fuente. “The counter-attack is your weapon. We are very happy. It was a very important game for everyone.”
Nico Williams with perfect beauty 🤩
He has stood out in this competition so far 🌟#Euro2024 | #ESPGEO pic.twitter.com/npe7dEXHrH
– ITV Football (@itvfootball) June 30, 2024
Spain vs Germany records
Although Spain also defeated Croatia, Italy and Albania, Germany reached the last 8 without any mistakes. Julian Nagelsmann's side only avoided finishing second in their group with a draw against Switzerland in the second half of their third game.
Spain have never beaten the hosts at the Euro and De la Fuente called it a very difficult game. “We know what we went through to get here,” he added.
“[It’s been] work and more work. First, we need to heal, then we need to be who we are. We need to strengthen ourselves and try to be a better team every day, which we already are. Against Germany, we need to give our best. It cannot be otherwise.”
The clash between European football's heavyweights takes place in Stuttgart on Friday (17:00 BST).
Germany have not beaten Spain in six attempts since Euro '88, drawing three and losing three of three.
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