June 18, 2023 
By India Today Sports Desk: Spain coach Luis De La Fuente has said the UEFA Nations League Final should be a balanced affair. Spain are set to face Croatia in the Nations League Final at the Stadion Feijenoord in Rotterdam, Netherlands.
Speaking ahead of the final, De La Fuente said Spain and Croatia are two of the best sides in Europe, adding that the final will be a balanced affair. This will be the second time that Spain has reached the final of the UEFA Nations League, while Luka Modric’s Croatia will be playing their first-ever Nations League Final.
“Two great teams will play tomorrow and the final is very evenly balanced. We and Croatia are two of the best in Europe. We'll try and use our strengths and enjoy our virtues. That's our principal aim – be superior to a very good rival,” said De La Fuente.
The Spaniard said they want to win the match in 90 minutes and not take it to extra-time. The two sides have met nine times in the past with Croatia coming out on top on three occasions, with Spain bagging five victories.
“We have talked through every possible scenario. We want to win it in 90 minutes if we can. They have more experience in playing 120 minutes but that's football. If you get to the final experience counts,” De La Fuente added.
Also Read: Modric eyes Nations League glory with Croatia
Meanwhile, Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic said Croatia has the quality to play against Spaon, insisting that the De La Fuente’s side have great individuals and are a top team. The last time the two teams met was in the round of 16 stage of Euro 2020, which Spain won 5-3.
“We know Spain very well, they like possession, they have great individuals and great technical style, they are very fast, it's a top team. We have experience playing against them in Copenhagen at EURO 2020, where we lost in extra time. But, we have quality to play against them,” said Dalic.
The UEFA Nations League Final will present Croatia the opportunity to win their first-ever UEFA title, while Spain will be aiming to win their first international title since winning the Euros in 2012.
July 20, 2024 
