Spain national football team head coach Luis de la Fuente addressed the media after his side’s victory over Croatia in Split, confirming that La Roja extended their unbeaten streak to 42 matches. Despite falling behind to an early header in the 17th minute and managing only a single shot on target during a difficult first half, the reigning world champions secured passage to the UEFA Nations League quarterfinals.
Trailing at Halftime in Split
The match in Split presented immediate tactical obstacles for the visiting side. Croatia capitalized on home support when an attacker scored via a header in the 17th minute, leaving Spain searching for answers during a disjointed opening period. According to match reports from Sport, Spain registered just one shot on target across the entire first 45 minutes and entered the locker room trailing. De la Fuente noted that the opponent’s pride had been wounded following a heavy defeat to England in Rijeka just three days prior, making the Croatian squad particularly dangerous in the hostile environment. He added that Croatia had suffered a 0-7 loss in that game, though he remained “convinced that we would turn it around” while watching the match.
Mikel Merino Scores Twice to Secure Victory
Needing an injection of energy after Álex Baena sustained an injury toward the end of the first half, De la Fuente introduced Mikel Merino at the interval. The substitution proved decisive. Merino needed only 15 minutes on the pitch to equalize before ultimately sealing a brace that turned the match completely around. De la Fuente praised the midfielder’s composure and instinct, stating that Merino possesses a rare knack for goals and the ability to step into any team in world football. Once Spain established control in the second half, their possession game wore down the hosts, restricting the Croatian attack primarily to occasional counterattacks.
Spain Reaches UEFA Nations League Quarterfinals
The hard-fought win in Split accomplishes two immediate objectives for the national team: it secures their spot in the UEFA Nations League quarterfinals and keeps the pressure on England at the top of the group standings. Reflecting on the team’s resilience, De la Fuente emphasized that his players refused to lower their arms despite the early deficit. The victory builds upon a recent 4-1 triumph over the same opponent at the Sánchez-Pizjuán just a week prior. Looking ahead, the manager made it clear that the squad’s ambition remains unsatisfied, pointing directly to their run of results.
De La Fuente Aims to Extend Unbeaten Streak
The win further extends a streak of imbatibility for the Spanish side. De la Fuente stated, “the objective is to keep winning,” noting that it is a “stroke of luck” to manage the current group of players. He expressed a desire to add more matches to the current 42-game run without defeat.
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