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Chasing A Nations League Encore
The Straits Times
|June 05, 2025
Holders and European champs Spain have a talented side that 'can play in many ways'
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BARCELONA - Spain are aiming to become the first side to retain the Nations League trophy, with Luis de la Fuente's side going from strength to strength ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
The coach enjoys recalling La Roja's triumph at the 2023 tournament, which was an early sign that a young Spanish side were heading back to the top. It proved the springboard to Euro 2024 glory and de la Fuente wants to continue Spain's resurgence by retaining the Nations League in Germany.
A Nations League victory would bode well ahead of the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada next summer, when Spain will be among the favourites.
They face France in the semi-finals in Stuttgart on June 5, before a potential final against Germany or Portugal.
"We attach enormous importance to it - it's almost more difficult than a European Championship, and we want to be the first team to win it twice. We want to continue competing at the highest level with these teams," de la Fuente said.
This story is from the June 05, 2025 edition of The Straits Times.
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