DPA
Stuttgart
Spain enter their Euro 2024 quarter-final with hosts Germany full of confidence and even had time for a few jokes ahead of Friday’s showdown between the record triple champions.
“We will defend as always if we can’t tie their shoelaces together,” coach Luis de la Fuente quipped on Friday, saying he would try and seek permission from the ruling body UEFA.
Full back Daniel Carvajal used the same phrase when asked about his former Real Madrid team-mate, Germany star Toni Kroos.
The statements show that Spain enter the game many consider worthy of a final in the best possible mood.
Spain have made the best impression so far at the Euros and are the only team which has won all their matches, with wingers Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams starring along with midfielders such as Pedri, Rodri and Fabiá Ruiz.
In addition, they have not lost a big tournament match against Germany in 36 years, and won both previous knock-out dates, the Euro 2008 final and World Cup 2010 semi-final.
But there is still huge respect for the opposition.
“It could have been the final of the European Championship, but I think it will be an even game on a footballing level,” De la Fuente said.
“The closer you get to the final, only the best remain. Nothing is free here.
“Germany are a great team. But we also have a great team,” he said, adding that his players should perform “with confidence and joy - we know our potential.”
De la Fuente said that Germany being the hosts is not necessarily a advantage for them, saying: “It can help, or not, but it can also build pressure, a lot of pressure.” Carvajal also said he had “a great feeling” going into the match against the Germans who have three victories and a draw.
“I can see that my team-mates are in a good mood. We’re playing against a fantastic opponent, but I can see our confidence, our energy, our enthusiasm,” Carvajal said.
