Spain players trumping fatigue as they look to win Nations League

Spain takes on Croatia to decide the title in Rotterdam on Sunday after edging Italy in the last minute of their semi-final on Thursday.

Spain coach Luis de la Fuente, center, celebrates during the Nations League semifinal match between Spain and Italy at De Grolsch Veste stadium in Enschede, eastern Netherlands, Thursday, June 15, 2023. | Photo Credit: AP Photo/Martin Meissner

Spain coach Luis de la Fuente is confident the motivation of playing in the Nations League final will trump any end-of-season fatigue his players might feel after an exhausting campaign.

Spain takes on Croatia to decide the title in Rotterdam on Sunday after edging Italy in the last minute of their semi-final on Thursday.

De la Fuente told a pre-match press conference he had no concerns about his players finding the requisite energy before heading off on holidays.

“They’re all fine. No one is going to let us down. We’re going to give it a whirl tomorrow,” he said.

Spain players celebrate after Spain‘s Joselu scored his side’s second goal during the Nations League semifinal soccer match between the Spain and Italy at De Grolsch Veste stadium in Enschede, eastern Netherlands, Thursday, June 15, 2023. | Photo Credit: AP

“I think my team have peaked at the best moment of the season. Motivation overcomes everything.”

De la Fuente took over as Spain’s coach after its last-16 elimination at the World Cup last November, and he now has a chance to win a title in only his fourth game in charge.

“What gives recognition are the titles, but what matters is the previous work. The title puts the varnish on the work,” he said.

“To get to a final is a privilege. If you leave everything out there on the pitch, there can be no frustration afterwards. Of course, we want to win, not for me but to make our supporters happy.”

Croatia, however, will be a tricky opponent for Spain, the coach added.

“I see it as a very even contest, each team has their own strong characteristics, but we have both shown that today we are the two best teams in Europe.

“We would like to win the game inside the 90 minutes. They have more experience, and that half hour (of extra time) is vital in terms of experience. A calm head sets the tone, and I think Croatia are also very strong physically.”