Spain coach Luis de la Fuente said the “insatiable” world champions have no intention of slowing down after coming from behind to beat Croatia 2-1 in the UEFA Nations League on Tuesday, extending their unbeaten streak to 43 games.
Mikel Merino emerged from the bench to score twice in the second half as Spain made it four wins from four in the international break to maintain their three point lead over England at the top of Group A3.
In securing another victory, La Roja became just the second nation — after Argentina in 2022 — to win four games straight after lifting the World Cup, while they have not tasted defeat since losing to Colombia in a friendly in March 2024.
“The players are ambitious,” De la Fuente said in the post-game news conference. “They are insatiable; they always want more. They don’t conform with anything.
“This team has shown that, not only today, throughout this whole journey, that they go out to win matches. It’s a wonderful attitude from a group of players who always want to give their best.
“We don’t conform with being world champions, we want to keep improving every day, that’s the aim.”
Spain’s run looked in danger in the first half against a Croatia side that started aggressively after losing 7-0 to England at the weekend.
Ivan Perisic, who was later sent off for a second booking, gave the hosts a 17th-minute lead in Split, but substitute Merino turned the game in Spain’s favour.
“In the first half, we suffered a little,” De la Fuente conceded. “Croatia pushed a lot, it was a tough game, but we were patient in the second half, wore them down and created chances.
“And then Mikel appears once again against a great team in an exceptional atmosphere. We have once again seen a team that never gives up and we got the win in the end.”
Merino levelled in the 61st-minute and then netted the winner in the 89th to continue his remarkable goal scoring form for Spain.
Four of the Arsenal midfielder’s last five goals have come in the 88th minute or later, including the late winners against Portugal and Belgium at the World Cup in the summer.
“We have the best players in the world in their positions and Mikel is in that category,” De la Fuente added. “He could play for any team in the world, any national team.
“He knows exactly what to do coming off the bench, which is not always easy in games. He is a player with a lot of quality and a nose for goal.
“Maybe his talent as a footballer is not always recognised. In another country, it would be valued more. Sometimes we find it hard here to value the fantastic players we have.”
De la Fuente also took the chance to bite back at what he felt was criticism for taking Merino to the World Cup on the back of a long injury.
“He’s demonstrated why I said I would go and pick him up and carry him to the World Cup if need be,” he said. “Some people thought I was crazy, but I think it’s clear now why I would have done it.”
Merino, who has now netted 15 goals for Spain, was obviously happy to make an impact again, but suggested he is not entirely thrilled to always have to do his work as a substitute.
“I’m really happy to be able to help out the team once again in another game where I’ve had to come off the bench,” he told Teledeporte after the match.
“I came on with the best possible attitude, even though you’re gutted not to start and wanting to play more.
“But this team is a family and that always shows. Like everyone who’s played, I was able to do my bit.”
Spain’s perfect run in the September/October international window means they are one of two teams — alongside Portugal — to be assured of a spot in the Nations League quarterfinals next year.
