NEW YORK, July 19 (Xinhua) -- Spain goalkeeper Unai Simon said the team's defensive record would be "very difficult to overcome" after a 1-0 victory over Argentina secured the World Cup title on Sunday.
Simon kept seven clean sheets in eight matches as Spain's defense conceded just a single goal on the way to a second world crown. The victory also extended Spain's unbeaten run in regular time to a European-record 38 matches.
"If all the gloves I've competed with in this World Cup could talk, I think they could tell you that they haven't had to work a lot like some other goalkeepers," Simon told the mixed zone. "I think there are numbers that are going to be very difficult to overcome with the passing of time."
"I don't attribute the merit to myself individually. I attribute it to all the teammates who made possible that unbeaten record, in which we only conceded one goal."
The Athletic Club goalkeeper, still struggling to process the achievement, said head coach Luis de la Fuente's management of the group over a 51-day camp had been decisive.
"Tactically you only need to look at a few things to prepare for matches, but for 51 days you have to be a group manager, and in that the coach has been our leader and our example at all times."
Simon sent a message to fans celebrating back home after a 16-year wait for another World Cup triumph.
"At all times we knew the fans were supporting us. May they enjoy it just like us, because they are part of what we have achieved," he said, adding he hoped the next star would not take another 16 years to arrive. ■
