Following Spain’s under-23 team’s victory in the final of the Olympic tournament against France, coach Luis de la Fuente expressed his elation and pride in the country’s footballing success. Having previously led the under-23 team to a silver medal finish at the Tokyo Games three years ago, De la Fuente’s transition to senior national team manager culminated in a European Championship win last month. He emphasized the significance of appreciating the gold medal won by Santi Denia’s squad in Paris, highlighting that it was Spain’s first Olympic football gold since 1992.
Coach De la Fuente urged people to acknowledge the hard work and achievements of Spanish football, pointing to the under-19 team’s European Championship title and the success of the women’s team in the World Cup and Nations League. Despite their bronze medal loss to Germany, De la Fuente emphasized that Spain’s footballing prowess should be celebrated. He highlighted the historic nature of their Olympic triumph, underscoring the importance of valuing and recognizing the accomplishments of Spanish teams across different age groups and genders.
In addition to praising the collective effort of the team, Coach De la Fuente commended individuals such as Fermín López and Álex Baena, who were part of the senior national team at the Euros before joining the Olympic squad. Their dual success in winning both the European Championship and Olympic gold in the same summer made them only the second pair of players to achieve this feat, after France’s Albert Rust in 1984. De la Fuente highlighted the selflessness and dedication of López and Baena, attributing their achievements to their strong teamwork and the guidance of the coaching staff.
The Olympic football title not only marked a significant achievement for Spain’s under-23 team but also represented the country’s first gold medal in a team sport in 28 years. Coach De la Fuente’s leadership and the players’ commitment to excellence culminated in a historic night that will be remembered as an epic chapter in the annals of Spanish football and sporting history. The triumph at the Olympics serves as a testament to the talent, determination, and unity of Spanish football teams across different levels and competitions.
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