Luis De La Fuente: "Overtime and penalties made the game even more epic"

The second leg of the UEFA Nations League quarter-final is over, with Spain beating the Netherlands 5-4 on penalties, and coach Luis De La Fuente believes that extra time and the shootout made the game even more epic.

In the first leg, Spain tied with the Netherlands 2-2, but the second leg ended in a 3-3 draw, and the game went to a penalty shootout. Spain won 5-4 and advanced to the semi-finals of the UEFA Nations League.

In the post-match interview, De La Fuente talked about the significance of this match. Although the match was difficult, the players were already used to competing in such an environment. De La Fuente said: "Overtime and penalty shootouts made this qualifying match even more epic."

"It was a great game, especially for the fans, even more than for the coaches. But overall, I think we witnessed a great match. Sports are tough and this team wanted to win."

"When we talk about the word suffering, many people think it is a negative word. But I can't imagine a sports game without hard work. In such a situation, we feel comfortable. This team will never be satisfied and is always full of ambition. We are eager to continue to win more honors."

In the penalty shootout of that match, Spain sent out five substitute players to take penalties, and young star Lamine Yamal scored in overtime but unexpectedly failed to hit the penalty.

When the reporter mentioned Yamal's performance, De La Fuente replied: "Ramine may be a little disappointed now, but he is still happy to win the game. He has contributed to us, he is still growing and maturing, and I still have full confidence in him."