Spain target enormously important Nations League defence vs Portugal

Spain are aiming to become the first side to defend the Nations League trophy, with Luis de la Fuente's side going from strength to strength on the international stage ahead of next year's World Cup.

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The coach enjoys recalling La Roja's triumph at the 2023 tournament, which was an early sign that a young Spain 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 it this summer in Germany.

It would bode well ahead of the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada next summer where Spain will be among the favourites.

They face France in the Nations League semi-finals in Stuttgart 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," De la Fuente told reporters last week.

"We want to continue competing at the highest level with these teams."

After European Championship wins in 2008 and 2012, sandwiching their World Cup 2010 triumph in South Africa, the Spanish national team slumped.