Dani Olmo says Spain are treating every match like a final as they prepare to face Belgium in the World Cup quarter-finals, insisting that the unbeaten run means little unless La Roja lift the trophy.
Spain midfielder Dani Olmo has made it clear that his side's focus is firmly on winning the FIFA World Cup rather than protecting their remarkable unbeaten record as they prepare for the quarter-final against Belgium.
Speaking ahead of the knockout clash, Olmo said head coach Luis de la Fuente has instilled a mentality that every game should be approached as if it were the final itself.
"We face every match as if it were a final, and that is how Luis tells us," Olmo said during his pre-match press conference.
"The most important match is the one that is coming up."
Spain arrive in the last eight carrying a 35-match unbeaten run in international football, but Olmo stressed that the statistic is merely a by-product of the team's performances rather than the objective.
"Our goal isn't to maintain an unbeaten run," he explained.
"The goal is to win it all and add a second star to our shirts."
Having already eliminated Portugal to reach the quarter-finals, Spain are now aiming to reach their first World Cup semi-final since lifting the trophy in South Africa in 2010.
Image Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters ConnectOlmo also praised teenage sensation Lamine Yamal, who continues to grow in influence despite arriving at the tournament carrying a hamstring injury.
The 18-year-old began the World Cup on the bench before announcing himself with a goal against Saudi Arabia and followed it with another impressive display in the Round of 16 victory over Portugal, where he constantly threatened despite not finding the net.
"I see Lamine doing well," Olmo said.
"He is gaining confidence after the initial problems, and he is getting better and better. He wants to prove himself, and he is going to give us a lot."
The pair have quickly developed an understanding in Spain's attacking unit.
"We understand each other well on the field with or without the ball," Olmo added.
Image Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters ConnectOlmo also reserved special praise for Pedri, describing the Barcelona midfielder as one of the team's indispensable players.
According to Olmo, Pedri's influence extends far beyond his technical quality, giving confidence to everyone around him through his intelligence and composure in possession.
He believes the midfielder will continue to demonstrate why he is among Spain's most important players as the tournament enters its decisive stages.
Image Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters ConnectSpain's success has not been built solely on attacking football.
Against Portugal, La Roja became the first team in FIFA World Cup history to record six consecutive clean sheets, while goalkeeper Unai Simón extended his shutout streak to 609 minutes, setting a new all-time tournament record.
Olmo credited Spain's collective approach for those achievements.
"We all attack and defend," he said, highlighting the unity that has underpinned the team's performances throughout the tournament.
The midfielder also praised Simón's remarkable milestone.
"We are very happy about Unai's record, and hopefully we can keep a clean sheet."
With confidence high, defensive records continuing to fall and a squad blending experienced leaders with emerging stars such as Yamal, Spain head into the quarter-finals believing they have everything required to step closer to World Cup glory.
For Olmo and his teammates, however, the message remains simple: records are welcome, but only lifting the trophy will define this campaign.
