"There is no great achievement without suffering" Luis de la Fuente Dismisses Favourites Tag In Spain Vs France Semi-Final Showdown

Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente insists that talk of favourites is irrelevant as La Roja prepare for a blockbuster FIFA World Cup semi-final against France, declaring that only performances on the pitch will decide who reaches Sunday's final.

Speaking ahead of one of the tournament's most anticipated matches, De la Fuente acknowledged the immense quality within Didier Deschamps' squad but expressed complete confidence in Spain's own strengths as they look to continue their march towards World Cup glory.

"We are two great national teams facing one another," De la Fuente said in his pre-match press conference. "Whether people call us favourites or not doesn't mean anything to me. The only pressure we have is the responsibility we owe to ourselves, our country and our supporters."

France arrive boasting one of the tournament's most dangerous attacks, led by Kylian Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé and Michael Olise. Yet, De la Fuente believes Spain possess the quality to match them.

"They have footballers of exceptional quality, but so do we," he said.

"The objective is to impose our style while trying to minimise the strengths of our opponent. We have studied France a lot during this tournament and we know each other very well."

The Spain manager stressed that controlling France's individual brilliance would require collective discipline rather than focusing on one player.

"We have to win our duels, help each other and be protagonists with our own football. Tomorrow will be an extremely demanding match."

Spain's thrilling 5-4 victory over France last year remains fresh in the memory, although De la Fuente believes both sides have evolved significantly since then.

"They are different matches for many reasons," he explained.

"We learned from that game, just as France learned from it too. We will try to repeat the situations that benefited us and avoid those difficult final minutes when we almost let the game slip."

He expects another tactical battle between two contrasting football philosophies.

"We'll try to take the initiative and be careful with France's counter-attacks and transitions because they are very dangerous."

Despite Spain reaching the last four in impressive fashion, De la Fuente insists his squad must continue raising their level.

"You know my theory: we always have to improve," he said.

"There is still a lot to improve, and that's actually encouraging because it means we still have room to grow. Tomorrow demands the highest level."

The 65-year-old described the clash as one worthy of a World Cup final.

"I said before that this could easily be the final of the World Cup, although Argentina against England could also be another final. We are the four highest-ranked teams in the world."

He added: "We have to control the game as much as possible, avoid mistakes and be decisive in both penalty areas. If you're satisfied with what you've already done, things usually don't end well."

Teenage star Lamine Yamal celebrated his 19th birthday on the eve of the semi-final, but De la Fuente revealed his advice to the winger was simple.

"Calmness," he smiled.

"I told him to stay calm, enjoy himself and forget any anxiety. He should enjoy football the way he knows how."

The Spain coach even hinted that Yamal's defining World Cup moment could still be to come.

"I keep saying that Lamine's big day in this World Cup is coming. I hope it's tomorrow. If not, hopefully in the final."

Throughout the tournament, De la Fuente has consistently encouraged his players to embrace the occasion rather than fear it, and that message will remain unchanged before kick-off.

"We are privileged," he said.

"We're playing football at the highest level. Let's do what we know how to do. Let's enjoy this unique opportunity and be ourselves."

He admitted the responsibility of leading Spain into a World Cup semi-final is immense but insisted enjoyment remains central to his philosophy.

"I enjoy this job enormously. It is my passion. We know what we represent, but we also have to enjoy something as beautiful as playing football in these scenarios."

Borrowing inspiration from Roman history, De la Fuente referenced one of his favourite quotes from Julius Caesar.

"Julius Caesar said there is no great achievement without suffering," he said.

"I completely agree with that. If you want to achieve something important in life, you have to be prepared to suffer. We are willing to suffer."

Having worked with many members of this squad through Spain's youth teams, De la Fuente admitted reaching this stage brings enormous personal satisfaction.

"I feel pride and nostalgia," he said.

"I've watched many of these players develop over the last 12 years. We always talked about completing the circle."

However, he quickly corrected himself.

"We don't want to close the circle here. We want this to be another step because we're competitors. Winning the World Cup would be a wonderful finishing touch, but first we have to earn the right to play in the final."

The emotional conclusion to De la Fuente's press conference came when he was asked about his late parents and brother.

"I remember them every day," he said. "They would have loved to experience what I'm living now."

Asked whether he prays for victory before such important matches, the Spain boss offered a thoughtful response.

"I pray every day, but not because I'm at a World Cup or because I want a result," he said.

"I thank God every morning that I'm healthy and able to enjoy life. I don't ask Him to help me beat my opponent because that wouldn't be fair. I ask for health. With health, I can keep fighting. I'm a warrior."

As Spain prepare for another defining night on football's biggest stage, De la Fuente's message to his players remains clear: embrace the pressure, stay true to their identity and believe that suffering is often the price of greatness.