Former Spain defender Fernando Hierro has expressed confidence in the current national team's prospects at the ongoing FIFA World Cup, citing their strong cohesion and character. Speaking to FIFA's official website, Hierro highlighted the flexibility and maturity of the squad under coach Luis de la Fuente, particularly praising young talents Lamine Yamal, Nico Williams, and Pedri.
Hierro praises team's character and flexibility
Hierro, who represented Spain in four World Cups from 1990 to 2002, noted that the current team approaches every game with the same intensity regardless of the opposition. "I like their character. They approach every game the same way, regardless of the opposition. Even when it is a EURO semi-final or final, they stay true to their style," he said. He emphasized the team's versatility, stating, "They are such a well-rounded side. They know when to keep possession, when to increase the tempo, when to play direct, when to attack space and when to play with a target man up front."
Cohesion and youth key to success
Hierro described the squad as "very tight-knit" with a great atmosphere, attributing this to De la Fuente's prior work with many players at the youth level. "They look like a very tight-knit squad. From the outside, it seems there is a great atmosphere within the camp. De la Fuente knows what makes them tick, since he's worked with most of them at the youth level, and that shows," he said. He added that despite their youth, they appear well-prepared and confident. "People talk about how young they are, but they don't look it on the pitch. They are well prepared, they are confident, and there is a clear sense of cohesion. That bodes well for their chances at the World Cup," Hierro remarked.
Reflections on past Spanish teams
Reflecting on his own generation, which reached the quarter-finals multiple times but failed to advance further, Hierro acknowledged the psychological barrier. "We had reached the quarter-finals several times, and we were on the verge of something special, but we could not quite get over the line. We put in some top performances, only to go out on penalties, and, at other times, we had clear chances but failed to capitalise on them," he said. He noted that breaking through to a semi-final would have changed the tournament's dynamic. "We sensed that if Spain could make it through to a semi-final, that psychological barrier would disappear, and it would feel like a different tournament," Hierro added.
Ingredients for World Cup success
On the key factors for winning a World Cup, Hierro emphasized the importance of calmness and team spirit over the long tournament duration. "You need to stay calm and remember that it's a squad of 26 players. It is a long tournament. When you're together for nearly 40 days, it's impossible to please everyone all the time. But team spirit is crucial," he said. He also highlighted the need for clinical finishing in tight matches and belief in the team's style. "From where I'm standing, this looks like a mature side. There will be difficult moments, because they will be up against the best teams in the world, but the key is to remain composed and stay true to your style of play," Hierro concluded.
Young stars shine with freedom and responsibility
Hierro was particularly impressed by Lamine Yamal, Nico Williams, and Pedri, noting their maturity and fearlessness. "If you did not know their ages, you would not believe how young they are," he said. He praised their ability to balance freedom with responsibility. "They play with freedom, but they also take responsibility. They want to do their best and to make things happen, but they are also out to enjoy themselves, and that creativity is important. All three have tremendous character," Hierro stated. He specifically highlighted Nico and Lamine's fearlessness in one-on-one situations and Pedri's sense of rhythm and control. "They have maturity beyond their years, which is rare. They play with a level of assurance that you would normally associate with much more experienced players," he said.
Spain, the 2024 European champions, are aiming to end a 16-year World Cup drought since their 2010 victory. After a goalless draw against debutants Cape Verde, they face Saudi Arabia in Atlanta on Sunday.
