Euro 2024: Spain boss makes incredibly bold claim ahead of Germany showdown

Spain boss Luis de la Fuente has said that La Roja "have the best team and the best players" ahead of Friday's mouthwatering Euro 2024 quarter-final with tournament hosts Germany.

La Roja are the only team to win all four of their matches at this summer's competition, having overcome Croatia, Italy and Albania in the group stage, before recording a 4-1 success over Georgia in the round of 16.

Spain's toughest test will come on Friday, though, with Germany their opponents in the last eight.

De La Fuente has sent out a clear message ahead of the quarter-final, insisting that Spain have proved to have "the best team and the best players" during the European Championship.

© Reuters

Spain have a 100% record at Euro 2024

"We are ambitious, and we knew that no one has won the first four matches of a Euro," De la Fuente told reporters ahead of the showdown with Germany.

"We have the best team and the best players. We are going to fight for it, and we know what we have ahead of us, which is Germany.

"There is quality, commitment and confidence. The next opponent is a powerhouse, with great players. It is a well-known German machine. It will be a very close match, but we are very confident of our game.

"Now the eight best in Europe are there and what determines whether you are a strong team is knowing how to row and push at the right moment. The difficulty increases with each match and now Germany awaits."

Spain are three-time European champions, first lifting the trophy in 1964, before claiming back-to-back titles in 2008 and 2012 during a spell of international domination.

© Reuters

Rodri hails De la Fuente ahead of quarter-final

La Roja midfielder Rodri has lavished praise on De la Fuente ahead of the Germany clash, with the manager making a positive impression for Spain since his arrival.

"I highlight the calm and tranquillity that he transmits to the player and the freedom. He is a coach who is very clear about how he wants to play, and who communicates very well what he wants. Then that is reflected on the field," the Manchester City midfielder told reporters.

De la Fuente took charge of Spain in December 2022, and he has led the team to 14 wins, two draws and two defeats from his 18 matches at the helm.

Should La Roja navigate their way through Friday's last-eight clash, they would tackle either France or Portugal in the semi-finals of the competition next week.