Luis de la Fuente: "We All Share the Same Goal"

Luis de la Fuente spoke to the media after Spain's outstanding performance against Portugal, a victory that sealed a place in the quarter-finals thanks to Mikel Merino's late winner.

On Mikel Merino

"I'm absolutely delighted. Everyone knows the affection I have for all of my players. Mikel belongs to a generation of footballers I've grown alongside throughout my coaching career. He is a world-class player in his position, and I also want to highlight the contribution of those who come off the bench because they are, and will continue to be, incredibly important."

On the team's competitiveness

"When a team is fully committed and everyone shares the same objective, it shows in the way the game unfolds. They are wonderful footballers who give everything for one another."

On the team's continued improvement

"There is always room for improvement. The demands of a World Cup are unlike anything else. This team keeps growing, and today we witnessed an exceptional match between two of the best national teams in the world."

On Rodri

"He is the axis of this team, its guiding light. He is a player with exceptional qualities, the best in the world in his position, and absolutely fundamental to the way this team functions."

On Spain's defensive solidity

"All of these achievements are the result of collective work. Our defensive strength is built on the team's solidarity and commitment."

On reaching the quarter-finals

"Reaching the quarter-finals of a World Cup is incredibly difficult. As Spain, we expect to compete at this stage, but sometimes you can be eliminated even after performing better than your opponent. We have to appreciate and value what this team is achieving."