Luis de la Fuente (64), who is leading Spain back to its golden age, expressed satisfaction.
The defending champion Spain reached the semifinals after tying 3-3 against the Netherlands in the second leg of the quarterfinals held at Estadio de Mestalla in Valencia, Spain, on the 24th at 4:45 a.m. (Korean time) and winning 5-4 in the penalty shootout.
The two teams, which also drew 2-2 in the first leg, could not determine the winner with an aggregate score of 5-5, and ultimately Spain emerged victorious after the penalty shootout.
Spain took the lead with multi-goals from Mikel Oyarzabal and a goal from 17-year-old prodigy Lamine Yamal, but the Netherlands stubbornly kept up with goals from Memphis Depay, IAAN Martsen, and Xavi Simons.
In the penalty shootout, Spain goalkeeper Unai Simon saved a shot from Daniel Malen, and Pedri successfully converted as the final kicker to decide the match.
After the match, the UEFA Nations League reported on its official website the interview with Spain's manager Luis de la Fuente.
De la Fuente noted in an interview with 'TVE,' "We feel truly overwhelmed. Today's match could have easily been the final of the UEFA European Championship. Our team showed the level of performance we are accustomed to. I could feel the emotion I experienced during Euro 2024 again."
He emphasized, "Since it was a match between two teams pursuing attacking football, their characteristics were similar. I believe the fans really enjoyed this game. Now we have another 'Final Four' waiting for us," adding, "Among the participating teams, three of them are former World Cup champions, and one team is the Euro 2016 champion."
He further added, "Just by looking at the composition of the participating teams, you can tell how high the level of this tournament is. Even Italy, the world champion, was eliminated. I have always thought that the level of this tournament matches that of the Euro."
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