We have grown together as a team: Spain coach

Spain coach Luis de la Fuente paid an emotional tribute to his players after guiding the country to its second FIFA World Cup title, describing the squad as a "family" and one of the finest generations in Spanish football.

Speaking after Spain‍‍`s 1-0 extra-time victory over Argentina in the World Cup final, De la Fuente said the achievement reflected not only the team‍‍`s talent but also its unity and commitment.

"I feel especially proud of this generation of footballers who have grown with this idea of being a team and a family," he said. "They have set a wonderful example. They are exceptional players, and it has been an honour to accompany them on this journey."

The 65-year-old coach, who also led Spain to the UEFA Euro 2024 title, admitted he was overwhelmed by the latest success.

"I‍‍`m very emotional when I look back at everything we have achieved," he said. "We have won everything, and that‍‍`s something truly special. This generation of players is a source of pride for Spain. Together, we are stronger."

De la Fuente believed Spain deserved to settle the final before Ferran Torres scored the decisive goal in the 106th minute but acknowledged Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez‍‍`s outstanding display.

"I think we should have finished the game much earlier," he said. "Martinez made some incredible saves that kept Argentina in the match. But this was a World Cup final, and even when they were reduced to 10 men, we still had to fight until the end."

Argentina were forced to play the remainder of the match with 10 players after Enzo Fernandez received a second yellow card in stoppage time of normal time.

Torres eventually broke the deadlock in extra time, securing Spain‍‍`s first World Cup title since 2010 and capping another remarkable chapter under De la Fuente, who has now delivered both European and world titles for La Roja.