Soccer
Spain manager De la Fuente uses Roman general as inspiration before France semi-final
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Tonight sees the first of two World Cup semi-finals get underway when France take on the European champions, Spain, in Dallas.
It should be an exciting matchup which sees two contrasting styles of football go head-to-head.
France, with the likes of Kylian Mbappe, Michael Olise and Ousmane Dembele in attack, opt for a free-flowing, pace-oriented approach, while Spain prefer to have control, using possession and composure to slowly break down their opponents.
Spain's calm demeanour came across in manager Luis de la Fuente's final press conference ahead of this encounter.
'Caesar always said that you can't win without suffering'
In their run to the semi-finals, Spain have been made to work for their wins.
The victories over Portugal in the last 16 and Belgium in the quarter-finals were decided by late goals from Mikel Merino, but the fact Spain has to grind out results and suffer when needed is something which De la Fuente believes is a part of achieving any type of major success.
Speaking ahead of the match against France, De la Fuente quoted Roman general Julius Caesar when it came to analysing his team's performances so far.
"Julius Caesar always said that you can't win without suffering. I agree with that," De la Fuente said.
"That is one of the expressions I love. If you want to achieve big things in your life you need to prepare to suffer."
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Does this suffering mean De la Fuente will not find any enjoyment in taking charge of Spain in this World Cup semi-final?
"Can I enjoy this semi-final? Fortunately enough I enjoy doing this job. It's my passion. It is such a privilege to be in this position."
The came the 65-year-old's final message to his players, who instead of heaping pressure on their shoulders, is urging them to enjoy the occasion.
"I tell my players 'look enjoy what we have today. You are privileged. Let's play football. You have huge potential. Let's do what we do best'."
De la Fuente already knows what it takes to beat France in a major tournament after beating Les Bleus 2-1 in the semi-finals of Euro 2024, but the France which has been assembled at this World Cup is a much more dangerous outfit compared to the one from two years ago.
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