"Nothing lasts forever": Title defense as the next Spanish test

Knows the feeling of losing only from stories: Spain's national coach Luis de la Fuente (center). IMAGO/Buzzi

Success has quickly become routine for Luis de la Fuente. The 63-year-old has coached the Spanish national team since January 2023, and for the past 27 months, the Spaniards have been unbeaten in competitive matches. Their last and only defeat is no more than a faint memory: In March 2023, Spain lost 2-0 to Scotland in a European Championship qualifier.

This streak will be put to the test once again this Sunday at 9 p.m. (LIVE! on kicker) in the Nations League final against their neighbors Portugal: "I'm prepared for a defeat. When you win a lot, you're closer to losing," de la Fuente said calmly at the press conference before the third final of his tenure as Spain's national coach. "Nothing lasts forever."

Even if the favorites' role ahead of the Iberian duel doesn't need to be discussed much - even with a view to next year's World Cup: "It has to do with the results. The trend is very good. But that can change," de la Fuente knows, nevertheless: "Our course of action is clear."

After all, the Nations League is "a very difficult competition. Look at the teams that are here." Only with time "will this competition be more appreciated" – but the coach from the La Rioja region and his players made sure of that last Thursday.

In the semifinals, Spain narrowly beat France 5-4 after leading 4-0 and 5-1 at one point. Even several days later, the 63-year-old can't stop raving about the match: "A tribute to football and the fans," he said. This "historic" match also somewhat overshadows the fact that, "in theory, they wanted to concede fewer goals."

For the fourth consecutive game, the Spanish conceded at least two goals. Their success against France was due to an attack that is currently unparalleled. Whether it's Lamine Yamal, Pedri, or the rest, there's no shortage of superlatives, not only in the press—but also from the coach.

The 17-year-old, in particular, captivates the entire football world – on and off the pitch. "His maturity for his age is unusual," de la Fuente praises his youngster, highlighting his handling of the attention surrounding him: "He's handling it in a normal way. That's what makes him so special."

The clash with veteran star Cristiano Ronaldo will also be a special one for the 63-year-old: "It's an honor to face Portugal and a footballer who shaped an era and a legacy." Naturally, this won't affect Sunday's game. Both teams share one goal: With a second victory in the competition, both Spain and Portugal could become the most successful teams in the Nations League, which was only held for the first time in 2019.