A heavily rotated Spanish side defeated Albania 1-0 at the Merkur-Spiel Arena in Düsseldorf on Monday thanks to Barcelona forward Ferran Torres’ solitary strike to maintain their perfect record in Group B.
Although La Roja lacked the smooth execution of their first two matches, several players provided De La Fuente with food for thought as the crucial stages of the tournament approach.
Speaking after the game, the Spain gaffer praised his team’s effort on the night and hinted that his focus is now fully on the knockout stages;
“We probably need to wait until Wednesday to know who we will face in the round of 16, but we will be mentally prepared to face any team.”
“Our game plan went as we wanted. We had a lot of energy. Things were more difficult after the break, and we faced difficulties.
We have room for improvement, but we have a great generation of players who want to improve. When you play better, you have to be at your best.”
With a place in the Round of 16 already secured, De La Fuente made ten changes to the side that began La Roja’s victory over Italy. Speaking on the changes to the squad;
“We wanted to win today, above all else. There is only one player left who did not play – Alejandro Remiro.
I am really happy that young players like Fermin Lopez got this experience and had the opportunity to play a match with such intensity.”
Ferran Torres, one of the ten changes from Thursday’s 1-0 victor over Italy, scored the only goal of the game 13 minutes into the first half, converting Dani Olmo’s through ball with a wonderful first-time finish.
“I’m proud to represent my country,” Torres said. “I’m going to make the most of the opportunities that the coach gives me, with goals, assists, defensive work.
“I want to continue making history with Spain. I’m not going to stop until I do. I don’t care [who we face next]. We’re a great team, we’re working hard, and the coach has got us all excited.”
On his goal, he added: “Before the match, I had already talked about it with [Dani] Olmo, that he would give me those passes into space. I didn’t think twice when it came to me.”