CORNERFLICK
Luis de la Fuente said France should be concerned ahead of Spain’s World Cup semi-final after La Roja beat Belgium 2-1 to reach the last four.
Mikel Merino scored the late winner after coming off the bench, and de la Fuente praised both his substitute and the mentality of the squad.
Speaking to Teledeporte, the Spain coach said his team showed its character in every situation and felt they had done enough to win more comfortably. He added that victories are never easy and should be valued.
De la Fuente singled out Merino for special praise, saying the midfielder has qualities that would suit any club or national team and always answers when called upon.
Spain now face France in one of the standout ties of the tournament. De la Fuente said his side are already focused on how to beat them, and pointed out that Spain are the only national team to have beaten France twice in a row.