From experiencing the sad relegation with Espanyol to being the architect of the pass to the second final in Spain in the last ten years. Joselu Mato got the Spanish team into the UEFA Nations League final with an opportunistic goal in the 88th minute that knocked Italy down (2-1). “I’ve been mischievous,” said the blue and white player until this season.
“It consisted of having faith. The team played a great game. We dominated the second half. I was mischievous, the ball fell to me and it was a goal,” said the Galician into the TVE microphone, who is one step away from becoming a Real Madrid player, where he trained in the lower categories. “It’s a day to enjoy. My family has had an incredible trip and I want to enjoy this to the fullest,” he avoided talking about his possible future in white.
The game was also important for Jesús Navas, who at 37 became the oldest footballer to play a game with ‘la roja’. “Very happy for this group. They deserve it, just like the coach. The effort we’ve made, the intensity… We’ve brought pride. It’s a hard-fought win, that’s the way,” said the man from Los Palacios.
The experienced Sevilla side did not want to talk about the duel against Croatia in the final yet. He first wanted to taste the victory against Italy, whom they also beat in the previous UEFA Nations League final four. “We are enjoying the victory and starting tomorrow to think about the final”, concluded the Andalusian.
For his part, Le Normand celebrated his debut with Spain in the best way, although one of his handballs caused Italy to tie for a moment on a penalty. “These are things that happen. It happens to us many times. Then we had to have a cool head, there was a lot of game left,” said the French-born central defender, who got along “very well” with Laporte, another player born in the neighboring country.
“He has helped me a lot, everyone in general,” added the Real Sociedad centre-back, who was ambitious regarding the final against Croatia: “Now we have to go and win. They are a tough opponent, but today we have shown the quality that we have. The team has been strong in duels and with confidence”.
