Timo Kurtva shared his thoughts ahead of the upcoming match against the Spanish national team in the JCH-2026 quarterfinals. He emphasized the need for solid defense and dangerous attacks.
Attitude towards Spain
Kurtva expressed joy at the team's advancement to the quarterfinals, noting that this will be a high-level and significant match for their country. He admitted that the team is no longer the 'golden generation' of 2018, but has maintained a strong squad, as demonstrated in games against Senegal and the USA.
Personal Ties and Expectations
He stated that Spain is a second home for him. Although he does not consider himself half-Spanish, he is very close to it since two of his children hold Spanish passports. Kurtva noted that it will be a wonderful encounter, and he hopes everything ends well, wishing Spain luck even if they lose.
Strategy for Confrontation
In Kurtva's opinion, Spain is a team that must be beaten. He stressed that the team must play reliably in defense and be extremely dangerous in attack, while also trying to effectively use counterattacks. Kurtva mentioned that the opponent has a strong lineup, including Lamine Yamal, Mikel Merino, Pedri, and Rodri in midfield, as well as a powerful bench. He expressed confidence that the team will manage to beat these players and prove it on the field.