Spain squad are an "example for the country", says De la Fuente

Luis de la Fuente hailed his Spain side as an "example for the country" after their last-gasp win over hosts Germany in the Euro 2024 quarter-final.

La Roja came out on top with a 2-1 victory in Stuttgart thanks to Mikel Merino's 119th-minute winner in extra time on Friday.

Dani Olmo had given Spain the lead in the second half, and looked to have scored the match-winner until Florian Wirtz equalised at the end of normal time.

After their last-gasp win, De la Fuente was full of praise for the fighting spirit his side showed to get the result.

"I'm proud of this group of players, such a committed group of players, who are an example for our country, for our society, and for any sportsmen and women who want to be competitive and want to improve every day in order to try and be a bit better every day," De la Fuente said.

"Our team has heart, and I know them; they have ambition, and they are eager to be better every day. They never tire of improving, and I am proud to coach them."

No, nos nos hemos olvidado de la creatividad del final. Es que os la vamos a dedicar, AFICIÓN. ¡¡ESTA VICTORIA TAMBIÉN ?? ???????!!#VamosEspaña | #EURO2024 pic.twitter.com/JXRLz8xvtH

— Selección Española Masculina de Fútbol (@SEFutbol) July 5, 2024

Spain and Germany had perhaps been the tournament's standout performers in the first four rounds of matches, and the match lived up to its billing.

De la Fuente's side have now won all five of their matches at Euro 2024 and will play France for a place in the final on Tuesday.

"We will see how far we can get, but I'm really proud of the example that this team is giving out in terms of companionship and values and so on, and this is what I value the most, apart from the quality of my players," he added.

"We are happy, but we know that tomorrow is a different day, and tomorrow it's another game already. So yes, we are happy, but the euphoria is very much under control."