Spain coach hails ‘exceptionally talented’ players

Luis de la Fuente. Pics/AFP

An emotional Spain coach Luis de la Fuente spoke of his pride in his players after they won the second World Cup in the country's history.

"I feel especially proud of this generation of footballers who have grown with this idea... giving us an example of a group, of a family," he said.

"They are players with exceptional talent. For me, it has been an honour to have accompanied them on this journey."

De la Fuente, who also coached Spain to the Euro 2024 crown, added: "I'm very emotional, looking back. We have won everything, and that is wonderful. They are a generation of footballers who are a source of pride for Spain. Together, we are stronger."

The 65-year-old said he believed Spain should have won the game earlier than the 106th-minute goal by Ferran Torres, but he praised Argentina 'keeper Emi Martinez for an inspired performance.

65 yrs, 29 days
Luis de la Fuente's exact age when he lifted the World Cup trophy with Spain on Sunday, becoming the oldest-ever manager to win the title

And the awards go to…

. Golden Ball (best player): Rodri (Spain)

. Golden Boot (top scorer): Kylian Mbappe (France)

. Golden Glove (best goalkeeper): Unai Simon (Spain)

. Best Young Player: Pau Cubarsi (Spain)

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