"We've gone so many years without a gold medal.... It's a challenge"

Santi Denia said that the fact that Spain had not won Olympic gold in football for 32 years, since Barcelona 1992, was "one more challenge" for his team, who will try to emulate that team in the final against France on Friday 9 August.

"I was lucky enough to see Kiko's goal that gave Spain a 3-2 win over Poland. If we've gone so many years without a gold medal... it's another challenge," he told.

A match against France in which the physical factor will once again be important. "We knew from the start that this tournament is so special, beautiful and physically demanding that we were going to need all 22. The 18+4 was a good decision by FIFA and the IOC. Physical fitness was a major part of the preparation. Luckily we are in the final and having this extra day is important for both teams," he added.

"There are still some discomfort and physical problems. We had the last training session on Friday, after an extra day of recovery. Afterwards, we will talk to the doctor so that he can tell us how the players are, but I hope that they will all be available," he added.

Santi Denia defended the role of captain Abel Ruiz in the national team. "Abel, apart from being the captain who helps me to make a group, family and team, he gives us a lot of play. He gives us goals and gives us a lot of play, which is very important for the coach and the group," he said.