"We will fight to win this World Cup" Luis de la Fuente Hails Spain After Beating France To Reach World Cup Final

Spain manager Luis de la Fuente praised his side's tactical maturity, collective spirit and relentless drive for improvement after La Roja booked their place in the FIFA World Cup final with an impressive 2-0 victory over France.

Mikel Oyarzabal's composed penalty and a disciplined, commanding defensive performance kept Kylian Mbappé and France's star-studded attack quiet, sending Spain into the biggest match in international football.

Despite the celebrations, De la Fuente insisted his players have no intention of settling for a place in the final.

"We are going to enjoy it," he said in his post-match press conference. "But there is another step left. Obviously, it is always the most difficult. We have to improve, and that is precisely what we are doing."

The Spain coach revealed he had received a congratulatory phone call from King Felipe VI following the victory, describing the gesture as "the greatest pride".

"It is a reason of great pride that our King calls us, cares about us, encourages us and is interested in us," De la Fuente said. "It also fills us with pride to see a united country celebrating in the streets because of an exceptional generation of footballers with unparalleled attitude and values."

Spain produced arguably their finest display of the tournament against Didier Deschamps' side, controlling possession, limiting France's transitions and frustrating Mbappé throughout the contest.

While many described it as Spain's complete performance under De la Fuente, the manager said the display was the result of months of planning rather than a one-off performance.

"I am constantly surprised by what this team is capable of doing," he admitted. "The margin for improvement is infinite and they show it every time."

"But this is not free. It is not coincidence. It is talent, work, sacrifice, effort and constant improvement."

He explained that Spain's gradual growth had always been part of the plan.

"We knew we had to improve little by little to arrive at the decisive moments in the best possible condition. Right now I think we are in a fantastic moment, both physically and football-wise."

De la Fuente reserved special praise for the way his players executed the tactical plan against one of the tournament favourites.

"Our message before the match was simple," he explained. "We were facing one of the best teams in the world, but they were facing the best team in the world."

According to the Spain coach, confidence alone was not enough. His side's success came from organisation, balance and intelligent positioning.

"We knew France very well. We knew their strengths, but we also knew how to deactivate them."

"The players interpreted everything perfectly. They understood where to position themselves, how to find the spaces and how to manage every phase of the game."

Calling Spain "a very committed team", he added: "With a team like this, we are unstoppable."

Although Spain will meet either Argentina or England in Sunday's final, De la Fuente refused to express a preference.

"They are two great teams," he said. "Argentina and England are another anticipated final. We are talking about the four best teams in the world."

"I have great friendship with Lionel Scaloni, and before the tournament I also mentioned England as genuine contenders. Whoever arrives, we will welcome them with open arms."

Beyond the tactical excellence, De la Fuente believes Spain's greatest strength lies in the relationships built inside the camp.

Reflecting on nearly seven weeks together during the tournament, he described the group as exceptional.

"I have never seen such exemplary behaviour," he said. "Not only on the pitch, but away from it."

"We are normal, generous people working towards one common objective. After 47 days together, there has not been a single problem."

Looking back on his journey through Spain's youth teams, De la Fuente became emotional as he reflected on watching so many players develop into World Cup finalists.

"This dressing room is much more than coaches and players," he said. "There are personal bonds that go far beyond football. Those relationships give us strength whenever difficult moments arrive."

Although Dani Olmo drew widespread praise for another influential midfield display, De la Fuente was quick to stress that individual brilliance flourishes because of the collective.

"Dani is an exceptional footballer," he said. "But his growth is linked to the growth of the team, not the other way around."

He also highlighted Rodri's influence, calling the Manchester City midfielder "the ideal figure" for Spain's style.

"He interprets the game fantastically, balances the team, wins the ball back and gives us everything positionally. He is a blessing to have."

Still, the coach returned to the same message that has defined Spain's tournament.

"This great team is made up of great individuals," he concluded, "but every one of them works for the benefit of the team."

Even as Spain celebrated reaching another World Cup final, De la Fuente made clear the job is only half done.

"The final is there to be played," he said. "It is incredibly difficult to reach one, and we value that achievement. But we are competitors. We will fight to win this World Cup."Nothing happens by chance