De La Fuente: “In the previous one I said it was the most important game”

The victory of Spain Under-21 against North Macedonia was key to approach the next edition of the European Under-21 Championship. After this triumph, three of the great protagonists of the afternoon spoke, the coach Luis De La Fuente, the scorer Hugo Duro and the goalkeeper Josep Martínez, who saved a penalty to avoid the 1-1 in the final minutes.

Luis De La Fuente: “In the previous one I already said that it was the most important match”

Complicated match: “As we had anticipated, it has been difficult. Due to the circumstances surrounding the game, which were very complex. The boys were the first game they had played after being unemployed for a long time, the 10 months that we had not worked together, the field, the rival … We were very focused on the importance of victory, which was the goal, and in that sense we are very satisfied. Obviously there are things to improve, but there are also interesting things, contributions from players we knew and new people who can also help us take an important quality leap “.

Rivals results: “Knowing the results that had occurred these days, the days before and being late, it was key to win today. I had said in the previous one that for me it was the most important game of the five that we had left. I keep thinking about it and now we are in a privileged position. We are one step away from reaching the next European Championship. But, above all, we want to get there, but continue to grow and have the feeling that the team is consolidating the expectations we have on it. “

Hugo Duro: “As soon as there has been a penalty, I have asked the coach for it”

Debut: “Very happy to have debuted with the Spanish Under-21 team. The truth is that I had been working hard, I was very excited to come. And just being with these teammates is a luxury.”

Penalty: “As soon as there was a penalty, I asked the coach and the teammates for it. I felt confident. Besides, I usually like to shoot them and the truth is that nobody has hit me, they encouraged me and entered.”

Memories: “The path that takes you here, your work, the hours you put in both in and out of training, a bit of everything. Happy for my family, who are the ones who are always there and are the ones I am most happy for.”

Josep Martínez: “I have seen the pitcher quite nervous”

Key match: “The truth is that it was a game that we knew was going to be complicated. It was very important for us. They played a very rocky game, with many fouls, very stuck … But we were lucky to find a play between lines and a penalty to take us 3 very important points “.

Happy for the debut: “In the end, debuting with your national team, representing your country, is the dream of every player since he was little and I'm very happy.”

Memories: “I have thought about everything that I have behind. But this continues and this does not stop here. I am quite an ambitious person and I always want more.”

Penalty saved: “I have seen the pitcher quite nervous. He started the race quite slowly, and at the moment when he was going to shoot I made a threat that he was defeating me on the other side, and luckily he has thrown it quite centered and I have been able to stop”.