The national coach Luis Enrique Martínez began his speech in the press room at Education City Stadium by congratulating his players "for the way they competed, in this match and throughout the World Cup". "We are sorry for not having been able to repay the support of all the fans with results", he said. "The most beautiful thing about being a player or a coach is the ability to make people you don't even know happy," he said in response to another question from the media.

"This is sport; the players followed the plan 99% of the time, but it's over and it's no longer worth beating yourself up," he said emphatically, before highlighting the value of the concentration, which was perfect at all levels according to the coach. He insisted that the only thing that hurt him was that not all the players have played in this World Cup.

A controlled match where the goal was lacking

As for the round of last 16 match against Morocco, Luis Enrique described it as a controlled game for Spain, in which the only thing missing was a goal. "We have dominated the game above all. We lacked a goal, but we created situations against a very defensive opponent who were very tight," he said.

"We could have been more effective in the final minutes, but Morocco defended very well," he said, while recalling that Spain's best chance of the game came in the 120th minute (when Sarabia hit the long post).

According to the national coach, Bono being named player of the match is a sign of how the match was played; and the fact is that, beyond the penalty shoot-out, "where it is always more difficult in a stadium full of Moroccan fans" for the player, "Bono has played a decisive role".

With regard to his players, to whom he repeatedly congratulated, Luis Enrique highlighted the way in which they interpreted what he told them from the sideline. "I'm more than satisfied with what my team has done, they have perfectly represented our vision of the game as staff," he said. "If there is one person responsible for something, it's obviously me", he added.

Luis Enrique, of course, also congratulated Morocco and wished them "good luck" for the rest of their World Cup adventure.