Head coach Luis de la Fuente has said Spain need to become stronger and “a more recognisable team” to beat holders Germany in the quarter-finals of Uefa Euro 2024.
La Roja continued their perfect campaign by coming from behind to beat Georgia 4-1 in the round of 16, dominating after the tournament newcomers had taken an 18th-minute lead through Robin Le Normand’s own goal.
“It’s credit to the players,” De la Fuente told La1, via AS. “They are the ones who have to interpret these situations: when they have to run more, when they have to run less, when they must have the ball.
“Desperation and anxiety could have spread but we managed to stay calm at all times and scored goals. There could have been more but it is one more step in terms of improvement, confidence and security for all of us.”
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Spain vs Georgia: Result ‘important’
De la Fuente called the scoreline “misleading” and said it could have been “eight or 9-1” against opponents Spain beat 7-1 and 3-1 in qualifying.
Rodri equalised six minutes before the break and Fabian Ruiz, Nico Williams and Dani Olmo scored during the second half as Georgia failed to have an attempt on target.
“You have to suffer,” observed De la Fuente. “The counter-attack is your weapon. We are very happy. It was a very important match for everyone.”
Nico Williams with an absolute beauty 🤩
He has been brilliant this tournament so far 🌟#Euro2024 | #ESPGEO pic.twitter.com/npe7dEXHrH
— ITV Football (@itvfootball) June 30, 2024
Spain vs Germany records
While Spain have also beaten Croatia, Italy and Albania, Germany’s run to the last eight has not been flawless. Julian Nagelsmann’s side only avoided finishing second in their group with an equaliser against Switzerland in second-half added time of their third match.
Spain have never beaten the hosts at a Euro and De la Fuente called the tie “very complicated”. “We know what we have gone through to get here,” he added.
“[It’s been] work and more work. First, we need to recover, and then we need to be who we are. We need to strengthen ourselves and try to become a more recognisable team every day, which we already are. Against Germany, we need to give our best. It can’t be any other way.”
The showdown between the heavyweights of European football will take place in Stuttgart on Friday (17:00 BST).
Germany have not beaten Spain in six attempts since Euro ’88, drawing three and losing three of the encounters.
