Spain match winner Ferran Torres says the depth of their squad is one of their biggest strengths at Euro 2024.
Despite manager Luis de la Fuente making 10 changes, Spain ended Group B's campaign to end plucky Albania with a 1-0 win in Dusseldorf.
It ensured that the 2008 and 2012 winners ended their group campaign with the most points and three clean sheets, following their convincing wins against Croatia and Italy.
🇪🇸 Match winning performance 🤩@Vivo_GLOBAL | #EUROPOTM pic.twitter.com/i1DU5qXzDk
– UEFA EURO 2024 (@EURO2024) June 24, 2024
Ferran Torres headed home the only goal on 13 minutes to complete a flowing move that included Dani Olmo's defense before the 24-year-old Barcelona man curled a first-time shot from the inside of the post.
Confidence is high La Roja they will camp and face the third-placed team from Group A, D, E or F in the Round of 16 on Sunday (5pm BST).
Ferran Torres told uefa.com: “We have a road ahead of us and we are playing fantastically. We are a family, tightly knit. The thing about this team is that everyone is ready to be in the starting XI.
“The players who come from the bench are very important because there are many goals scored at the end of the games. i want to do [selection decisions] it's hard for a coach.
“When I wear the Spanish shirt I feel like I'm playing for everyone, my family and the people I'm close to who support me. I am proud to wear this shirt.”
Great display from Raya 🧤#EURO2024 | #ALBESP pic.twitter.com/92cRL784Oh
– UEFA EURO 2024 (@EURO2024) June 24, 2024
De la Fuente was determined to keep expectations under control, despite seeing his side installed as favorites for the Euro 2024 crown after a perfect group stage where he was able to give every outfielder and two goalkeepers time on the pitch.
“We are all free to dream and we are the first to dream, but we have to keep our feet firmly on the ground,” he said. “All the games are very tight and what we have done is very difficult – to win all three games and keep the three points. We must have cool heads.
“We have room for improvement, but we have a good generation of players who want to improve. If you play the best, you should be at your best.
“The best 16 teams in Europe will be in the next round, so I don't give importance to the fact that we are favourites. One day you can be high, the next you can be nothing. Let's not put more pressure on these players.
“We wanted to win today, more than anything. There is one player left who has not played yet – Alejandro Remiro. I'm very happy that young players like Fermín Lopez got this experience and were able to live with a game with this intensity.”
📊 How did Team B finish…#EURO2024 pic.twitter.com/rggqLFXc5V
– UEFA EURO 2024 (@EURO2024) June 24, 2024
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