Spain matchwinner Ferran Torres says the depth of their squad is one of their biggest strengths at Euro 2024.
Despite boss Luis de la Fuente making 10 changes, Spain completed a perfect Group B campaign to end plucky Albania’s tournament with a 1-0 win in Dusseldorf.
It ensured the 2008 and 2012 winners completed their group campaign with maximum points and three clean sheets, following their convincing wins against Croatia and Italy.
🇪🇸 A match-winning performance 🤩@Vivo_GLOBAL | #EUROPOTM pic.twitter.com/i1DU5qXzDk
— UEFA EURO 2024 (@EURO2024) June 24, 2024
Ferran Torres swept home the only goal on 13 minutes to complete a flowing move which featured a defence-splitting pass from Dani Olmo before the 24-year-old Barcelona man curled in a first-time shot off the inside of the post.
Confidence is high in La Roja camp and they will face a third-placed finisher from Group A, D, E or F in the Round of 16 on Sunday (5pm BST).
Ferran Torres told uefa.com: “We have a route ahead of us and we’re playing phenomenally. We’re a family, very tightly knit. The thing about this team is that everyone is ready to be in the first XI.
“Players coming off the bench are very important as well because lots of goals have been scored at the end of games. I want to make [selection decisions] difficult for the coach.
“When I put the Spain shirt on, I feel like I’m playing for everyone, my family and the people around me who support me. I’m proud to wear this shirt.”
An impressive display from Raya 🧤#EURO2024 | #ALBESP pic.twitter.com/92cRL784Oh
— UEFA EURO 2024 (@EURO2024) June 24, 2024
De la Fuente was keen to keep expectations under control, despite seeing his side installed as favourites for the Euro 2024 crown after a perfect group stage during which he was able to give every outfield player and two goalkeepers time on the pitch.
“We are all free to dream and we are the first to dream, but we have to keep our feet on the ground,” he said. “Every game is really tight and what we’ve done is really difficult – winning all three games and keeping three clean sheets. We have to have cool heads.
“We have room to improve, but we have a wonderful generation of players who want to improve. When you play the best, you have to be at your best.
“The best 16 teams in Europe will be in the next round, so I give no importance to us being favourites. One day you can be at the top, the next you can be nothing. Let’s not put extra pressure on these players.
“We wanted to win today, above all. There’s only one player left who hasn’t played – Alejandro Remiro. I’m really happy that young players like Fermín Lopez got this experience and got to live through a game with this intensity.”
📊 How Group B finished…#EURO2024 pic.twitter.com/rggqLFXc5V
— UEFA EURO 2024 (@EURO2024) June 24, 2024
