De la Fuente: "I'm Not Thinking About Anything But Belgium"

Spain's national team coach, Luis de la Fuente, emphasized that neither he nor any of his players are contemplating a potential semifinal clash with France until they have successfully navigated their quarterfinal match against Belgium at the World Cup.

"We're not thinking about anything other than Belgium. If we win, then we'll talk about France. But as professionals, I can guarantee that we are fully focused on tomorrow's game," he stated at a press conference held on Thursday night. The Spain-Belgium encounter is scheduled for this evening at 10:00 PM Bulgarian time (3:00 PM ET) at the stadium in Inglewood, California, with Michael Oliver (England) serving as the head referee.

France secured their spot as the first semifinalist of the 23rd FIFA World Cup after defeating Morocco 2-0 – a match De la Fuente watched on television.

"France was the better team. We know what they are capable of," he remarked after turning off the TV. He stressed his "immense respect for Belgium, who convincingly beat co-hosts USA 4-1 in the Round of 16."

"Belgium is a very strong team with players who are accustomed to winning. This will be a challenge," he said. Spain remains the only nation in the tournament yet to concede a goal, though they are not among the highest-scoring teams, a fact the coach attributes to minor details.

"I realize what I can control, and when I do, I control it very well. Anything else that happens is beyond our control. This gives me a lot of peace of mind," he explained. "It's one thing to be nervous, another to be afraid."

Despite their 1-0 victory over Portugal, the coach anticipates a tougher test against Belgium. "There's no doubt that the match against Belgium will be our most difficult yet. We have players who can score, and a decisive goal at that."

Mikel Oyarzabal has scored four times in this World Cup, while Lamine Yamal, touted as a future superstar – perhaps due to arriving at the tournament with a long-standing muscle injury from his domestic league – has only found the net once.

However, De la Fuente noted Yamal's growing maturity, highlighting the teenager's defensive contributions in Spain's win over Portugal and backing his attacking prowess to make a difference when the team needs it.

"He is improving his attacking performance with each passing game," De la Fuente said, emphasizing that Spain's success "is built on collective effort, not individual brilliance." He is pleased that every individual in the locker room prioritizes the team over their ego.

And, true to his style and characteristic welcoming smile, he chose to invoke the wisdom of the ancients. "What is bad for the hive is bad for the bee," De la Fuente quoted, referencing a saying attributed to the Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius.

Some players are closer to the coach due to longer periods of working together or communication, but this does not alter relationships or principles – the team comes first. One such individual is Mikel Merino, who is relishing Spain's opportunity to reach the World Cup semifinals. He was the one who propelled "La Furia Roja" into the match against Belgium with his stoppage-time goal against Portugal.

Yet, that decisive goal is just one reason the midfielder cherishes this moment.

Merino nearly missed his World Cup chance after a stress fracture and subsequent surgery in late January cast doubt on his place in the squad. Although the Arsenal midfielder played less than 30 minutes in the months leading up to the World Cup, Spain coach Luis de la Fuente had no doubts about his national team status.

"I have great affection for all the players, but with Mikel Merino, there's something special because we've known each other for a long time," De la Fuente said. "If necessary, I would go pick him up from his home in my personal car. He is world-class in every aspect – on-field conduct, locker room behavior, off-field demeanor."