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Jorge Vilda: "I have the 23 best players in the world"

The national team coach praises Spain's historic qualification for the World Cup quarterfinals, but warns that the team's ambition doesn't stop here: "We'll give our all in the next round."
Sat, 05/08/2023 - 12:19

Satisfaction: "We must congratulate the players. Today, it's been shown that Spain is a team of 23 players. The match went well on a happy day: we scored goals, could have scored more, and we're in the quarterfinals making history."

Cata Coll: "Her presence on the field is a demonstration that we have 23 starters. Matches and training sessions count, and Cata has a well-established track record. She played a good match, just like the rest of the team.

Aitana Bonmatí: "I believe I have the 23 best players in the world. She performed very well, just like the rest of the team. Behind individual awards, there are collective actions. We have 23 champion players."

Changes: "After the match against Japan, we had a wound, and it healed. From there, we analyzed and selected the best players to compete in the next match. The final decision was made last night."

Goalkeepers: "We have three excellent and wonderful goalkeepers. Any of them can play the match."

"It's a very happy day, and that's how I feel right now."

Redemption: "I don't think I've relieved myself of any weight. It's a joyful day for everyone, and I had the confidence that we would advance. What the players conveyed to me was very positive, although we need to improve if we want to reach the semifinals. Now, let's rest and go for it."

Merit: "The credit goes to my players. I know the profession I'm in, and I try to enjoy every day as if it were the last. It's a very happy day, and that's how I feel right now."

Progress: "We were good at times. The compensatory structure to defend when we lose the ball worked well. In the second half, there were moments without the ball, but the team performed well on set-pieces, and overall the team did well. We have to analyze it calmly, but I'm happy with both phases. We must always improve."

Quarterfinals: "We have players with more and less experience. We need to work on the aspects to improve, and having an extra day will be in our favor. We have to go all out in the quarterfinals."

Psychologist: "Having Javier López Vallejo with us is a privilege. He does an extraordinary job, and I admit I had my doubts at the beginning. He has earned the players' respect, he's been working with the youth teams, and his work with the goalkeepers is very important. I thank him for being here."