Spain Unbeaten in 43 Straight Matches, but De la Fuente Says Hunger Remains

Spain’s remarkable unbeaten run has reached 43 matches after the reigning European and world champions defeated Croatia 2-1 in the UEFA Nations League.

The result extended Spain’s impressive run, but head coach Luis de la Fuente insists his team is far from satisfied.

The match did not begin according to Spain’s plans. Croatia started strongly at home and took the lead in the 17th minute through Ivan Perisic. Spain struggled under pressure throughout much of the first half.

The game changed after the break.

Mikel Merino came off the bench and equalized for Spain in the 61st minute. The Arsenal midfielder then completed the comeback with his second goal in the 89th minute, sealing a 2-1 victory.

After the match, De la Fuente praised his players’ mentality and desire to keep winning.

“The players’ hunger and desire to win are immense. They are never satisfied. They always want more. Not just today, but throughout the journey, they have shown that they step onto the pitch to win,” the Spain coach said.

De la Fuente also insisted that winning the World Cup has not made his team complacent.

“We are not satisfied just because we are world champions. Our main goal is to improve every day,” he said.

The Spain coach admitted that his team struggled during the opening 45 minutes against Croatia but credited the players for remaining patient after the break.

“We suffered a little in the first half. Croatia put us under pressure and made the game difficult. But in the second half, we were patient, wore them down and created chances,” De la Fuente explained.

He also praised Merino following his decisive two-goal performance.

“We have some of the best players in the world in every position, and Mikel is one of them. He is capable of playing for any club or any national team in the world,” De la Fuente said.

Spain have not lost since their friendly defeat to Colombia in March 2024. Their unbeaten streak has now reached 43 matches.

The team have also won all four of their matches during the current international break, taking a perfect 12 points in Group A3 and strengthening their position at the top of the table. Spain are three points ahead of second-placed England.

With a 43-match unbeaten run and major titles already secured, Spain continue to push for more. According to De la Fuente, the hunger inside the team is still very much alive.