"We have gone from strength to strength and we are at a high level"

Girona striker and captain of the Spanish national team, Abel Ruiz, said after a 3-0 win over Japan in the quarter-finals that they have gone "from strength to strength" in the tournament and that they are "at a great level".

"We came into this match with a great desire to reach the semi-finals. It was our goal, we achieved it and we played a great match. We have gone from strength to strength in the tournament and we are at a high level. We'll have to go one step further to be in the final," he said in the mixed zone.

Abel Ruiz scored his first goal of the tournament. "I always go onto the pitch calmly, to enjoy myself and to play with my teammates. I try to enjoy this 100%, it's a unique experience and I think that's the most important thing, to enjoy and have a good time. I think we did that today and that's why we won so convincingly," he said.

The captain highlighted the role of coach Santi Denia with his half-time talk because, he said, he "gives them a boost" that "helps them", and also his team-mate Fermin Lopez, scorer of the first two goals. "He's in great form. He is an exceptional goal scorer, who is helping us a lot and who gives us a lot of joy. We're happy to have him here," he concluded.

 

August 2, 2024