Syndicated reporting provided by Stats Perform and reviewed by the SoccerNews editorial team.
Luis de la Fuente believes Spain have “recovered the spirit of 2010” with their recent exploits as his side prepare to host Croatia in the Nations League.
Spain are the reigning European and world champions, having lifted the World Cup for the second time in July by beating Argentina in the final.
On their way to clinching both titles, they have strung together a 39-game unbeaten streak (across 90 minutes), winning 30 of those matches (D9).
They extended their run with a stunning 3-2 comeback win over England, with Mikel Oyarzabal coming off the bench to haunt the Three Lions once more by scoring the winner.
Spain’s next match will see them play on home soil for the first time since winning the World Cup, as they will host Croatia in Seville.
“For us, it is a pride to see our country committed to the national team,” De la Fuente said in his press conference.
“Where we are going, we have recovered the spirit of 2010; people are proud to be Spanish.
“I am honoured to be the national coach of my country. I have a house in Seville, and it causes me a very special emotion.”
Wembley is behind us. The next one is already on our minds.
— Spanish Football (@SpainIsFootball) September 28, 2026
Spain are unbeaten in their last three meetings with Croatia, winning two and drawing the other – though they eventually won that match on penalties in the Nations League.
Like La Roja, Croatia also opened with a win on Saturday, beating Czechia 2-1, which only leaves them behind Spain on goal difference in Group A3.
“Of course, I think Croatia can compete, and the first ones who have to believe it are them,” De la Fuente said of their opponents.
“If not, they would not run. There is no rival or perfect day. The height of these situations is that even if you are superior to the opponent, you can lose.
“We know Croatia well; we have played a lot with them. They have world-class players and a very competent new coach.
“We have to give a better version of the one we gave in London. Footballers understand it that way. Every day we demand more from ourselves because the opponents are more complicated every day.”
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