Povijesni udarac Realu Madrid, neočekivani golman i ruka De La Fuentea: kako je Španija izbrisala Francusku iz Svjetskog prvenstva

Spain has reached its second World Cup final in 16 years with a decisive 2-0 victory over France, marking a historic triumph that underscores the strength of their collective approach. The win, achieved through disciplined defense and strategic attacking play, has placed Spain back in the spotlight of international football, echoing their 2010 championship in South Africa. This achievement was built upon a long-term strategy initiated by coach Luis de la Fuente, who has been instrumental in shaping the current squad. The journey began with a controversial selection process that sparked debate among fans and analysts alike. On May 25, De La Fuente announced the team’s roster for the World Cup, making history by excluding all players from Real Madrid. This move, which saw the absence of key figures such as Dani Carvajal, marked a departure from previous traditions and signaled a shift towards a more diverse and balanced squad. The decision was based on performance metrics during the last season, aiming to build a cohesive unit rather than relying on individual stardom. The transition within leadership roles also reflected this new direction. Rodri, Unai Simón, Ferran Torres, and Mikel Oyarzabal took on central roles, stepping into positions previously held by veteran stars like Carvajal and Álvaro Morata. Despite these changes, the team maintained its competitive edge, exemplified by Marc Cucurella's successful transfer to Real Madrid during the tournament, which did not detract from the overall cohesion of the squad. De la Fuente's tenure as head coach started in January 2023, following a decade of work with Spain's youth teams. His experience with the Sub 19, Sub 21, and Sub 23 squads allowed him to identify and nurture emerging talents who now form the backbone of the national team. This deep understanding of player potential has translated into a tactical philosophy that emphasizes possession-based play, reminiscent of the golden era under Vicente del Bosque, while incorporating modern variations to enhance attacking depth. Before taking charge of the senior team, De la Fuente had a rich coaching career, including time spent observing Marcelo Bielsa at Athletic Club de Bilbao. He studied Bielsa's methods extensively, noting how they influenced his own coaching style. Additionally, he played alongside notable figures such as Iván Zamorano at Sevilla, further enriching his football knowledge. His professional journey also included mentorship roles, notably teaching future coaches at the Royal Spanish Football Federation. One of his students, Lionel Scaloni, has acknowledged De la Fuente's impact, expressing admiration for his expertise and dedication. Scaloni's comments reflect the broader respect De la Fuente commands within the football community. As Spain prepares for the upcoming final against the winner of the England-Argentina semifinal, the focus remains on maintaining the unity and discipline that have defined their campaign. The path to this moment has been shaped by strategic decisions, personal growth, and a commitment to collective success, setting the stage for another chapter in Spain's storied football history.