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Spain stars were confident of going all the way at this year’s World Cup after booking their spot in the final with the defeat of tournament favourites France on Tuesday.
La Roja overpowered Kylian Mbappe and Co in Dallas, with the 2-0 win seeing a number of French stars including Michael Olise and Ousmane Dembele frustrated in attack.
In the immediate aftermath, attention in the dressing room switched firmly to the final in New York, which will take place against either England or Argentina on Sunday.
In high spirits, Marc Cucurella described his team-mates’ performances as a ‘f***ing masterclass’ as he strode into the locker room.
Unai Simon and Rodri were similarly impassioned as they made their way into the party atmosphere, with Dani Olmo suggesting that a second World Cup title seemed pre-destined for the side.
‘It was written in the stars,’ the Barcelona star told the camera. ‘We started in Atlanta, and ended up in New York.
Rodri was in high spirits as Spain’s dressing room celebrated their win against France
Players danced and loudly praised their victory, with Dani Olmo (left) suggesting that a win in New York could be written in the stars
‘It’s close… let’s go for it.’
In a bid to try and lower expectations, Simon was a little more controlled, adding: ‘We’re still processing it a bit, because none of us in the locker room are fully aware of what we’re doing.
‘But we’ll realise it as the days go by, and we’ll start preparing for the World Cup final.’
As they danced around the dressing room, snacking on pizza, Rodri was prompted to show off his ‘forbidden’ moves to chants of ‘New York, ole’.
Spain were able to swipe the lead shortly before the first hydration break after teen superstar Lamine Yamal drew a penalty in the French box.
This was coolly converted by Mikel Oyarzabal, with a fine strike by Pedro Porro doubling the team’s lead in the 58th minute.
France on the other hand were all but unable to get a look in, with many of their starting XI given marks of four out of 10 or lower by sports outlet L’Equipe.
Before meeting France in Dallas, Spain had kept their powder dry by progressing through the virtue of a number of late winners scored on their World Cup journey.
Mikel Merino was the super-substitute against both Portugal and Belgium as he scored winners from off the bench after the 80th minute.
With the final now in their sights, head coach Luis de la Fuente stressed that his side were the ‘best in the world’, and having claimed a European Championship in 2024, they are strong contenders to add another trophy to their cabinet.
‘We’re feeling unbeatable,’ De La Fuente said after the final whistle. ‘They (France) faced the best team in the world.
‘We have that edge. These players deserve everything because day after day, they demonstrate their commitment, their generosity, their solidarity, and their talent.
‘It is wonderful to watch them play. Today was a spectacle. What seems difficult, this team makes it look easy.’
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