Alvaro Morata expressed his optimism regarding the future of the Spanish national team after their commanding 3-0 victory over Serbia, which secured their place in the Nations League quarter-finals. The match saw Morata score the second goal for Spain, enhancing his reputation as a crucial player for the team, even after a missed penalty earlier in the game. Alongside Morata, Aymeric Laporte and Alex Baena also found the net, contributing to a dominant performance that showcased Spain’s attacking prowess.
With this victory, Spain has now registered an impressive 12 wins out of 15 matches this year, equaling their best record since 2013. The team's recent success is particularly noteworthy given that they were without seven regular players, including key figures like Lamine Yamal, Rodri, and Dani Olmo. Despite these absences, Spain displayed remarkable resilience and skill against a Serbian side managed by Dragan Stojkovic.
Morata's performance and the overall team effort have left him feeling optimistic about building on this momentum as they look toward Euro 2024. He expressed pride in the team's ability to reach the final stages of another major tournament, recognizing the challenges and expectations that come with it. The forward emphasized the importance of young players stepping up in the absence of established stars, saying, "What we have created is special, and we have to keep going forward." He firmly believes that Spain has an incredible future ahead, fueled by the talent and determination within the squad.
Morata also highlighted the need to value their achievements, reflecting on how significant it is for the team to perform well under pressure. His comments were echoed by manager Luis de la Fuente, who took a more measured approach to the team's performance. Despite the victory, de la Fuente noted that the team managed 30 shots with 10 on target, achieving an expected goals (xG) total of 2.92 while limiting Serbia to just one attempt. This indicates a solid performance, yet de la Fuente remains focused on seeking further improvements from his players as they prepare for tougher challenges ahead.
The coach described the current winning streak as a "blessed problem," acknowledging that while frequent victories bring them closer to potential setbacks, the team is driven by an insatiable desire for more success. "We do it with so much joy," de la Fuente remarked, emphasizing the enjoyment they derive from performing well. He also recognized that setbacks are an inevitable part of sports, and when challenges arise, the team will need to start anew.
As Spain progresses through the tournament, both Morata and de la Fuente are keen on maintaining the team's high standards and continuing their successful journey. With the combination of experienced players and emerging talent, the Spanish national team appears well-equipped to tackle future challenges, making them a formidable contender in the upcoming Euro 2024 and beyond.
