Spain manager Luis de la Fuente declared his team has recaptured the spirit of their 2010 World Cup victory after a dominant 2-0 semifinal win against France on Tuesday propelled them into the tournament final. The victory leaves La Roja one match away from securing their second world title, 16 years after their maiden triumph in South Africa.

Spain's performance in the semifinal marked a significant tactical achievement, as they successfully neutralized a potent French attack that had scored 16 goals prior to the match. France, considered one of the tournament's most dangerous teams and pre-tournament favorites, managed only one shot on target after the 80-minute mark, failing to reach a third consecutive World Cup final.

"The message was that we were up against one of the best teams in the world, but that they were up against the best team in the world," de la Fuente stated in a news conference following the match. He lauded his players for their commitment, solidarity, and talent, noting their ability to make difficult plays appear easy. "These players show commitment, solidarity and talent. They make the difficult look easy. They have talent and the right attitude towards life and sport."

De la Fuente specifically highlighted the team's unity and shared purpose, drawing a parallel to the Iker Casillas-led squad that won Spain's first World Cup in 2010. "I see a happy dressing room and a nation behind us. We’ve recaptured the spirit of 2010," he said. He further emphasized the collective effort, mentioning that players who did not feature in the match remained to train, demonstrating their dedication.

The Spanish coach attributed the team's strength to a foundation of humility, a common objective, and the absence of individual egos. "I believe the most important thing is knowing how to choose your travelling companions. If you make the wrong choice of travelling companions, you could end up with a problem," he explained, alluding to the squad's cohesive dynamic. He stressed that every member of the squad, not just the players on the field, works towards a shared goal with equal enthusiasm.

This remarkable run to the final includes Spain becoming the first European nation to win eight consecutive knockout stage matches at major tournaments, encompassing both the World Cup and the European Championship. Their victory also adds to their recent success, having won Euro 2024.

Spain's journey to the final has been marked by strategic prowess and a resilient team spirit. The team's ability to control the tempo of the game and stifle opponents' attacks has been a recurring theme throughout the tournament. The semifinal performance against France, in particular, showcased their defensive discipline and tactical acumen.

As Spain prepares for the World Cup final, the focus will be on maintaining this high level of performance and team cohesion. The comparison to the 2010 squad, known for its tiki-taka style and strong camaraderie, suggests a potential for a historic achievement, as they aim to secure their second star on the world stage.