Spain manager, Luis de la Fuente, says he would have preferred his side did not have to suffer so much – even against 10 men – but cannot contain his love for his team who are now unbeaten in 38 games.
“So much pride,” he says. “Pride for this generation of footballers that have been growing with this idea, staying loyal to the idea, and doing their best. They are an example of a team, a group, a family, and a collective of great players that have been exceptional. I’m just so proud to have accompanied them on this journey. To have been there with them on this trajectory is an honour.
Luis de la Fuente kisses the World Cup trophy.Getty Images
“I can’t really tell you how I feel. All I can say was it was worth it. Of course at the moment I am very emotional, particularly having watched from behind the scenes. I have spoken so much to the players, who said to me, ‘boss, we’ve won it all’, and it’s marvellous. This generation of players is an example for Spanish sport, for the Spanish youth. Together we are much stronger, and that is why we don’t forget anyone.
“Of course we would have liked to win the game much sooner. The Martinez save prevented us from doing so. We tried and tried to get on the scoresheet but weren’t able to, but this is a World Cup final, even against 10 men at the end we had to suffer. But we like to suffer, and I’ll say it again, we were prepared for everything.”