Former Spanish international Juan Carlos Valerón, who participated in the 2002 Korea and Japan World Cup, shared his memories of the tournament and analyzed the current Spanish squad ahead of their debut. Valerón, originally from Arguineguín, expressed his admiration for coach Luis de la Fuente, predicting that the team will go far in the championship.
Recalling his 2002 World Cup debut, Valerón described the experience as "incredible" and "one of the most beautiful things that can happen to a player." He detailed how he learned of his call-up through his club, confident in his chances after having played in almost all matches under coach Camacho.
Despite being retired, Valerón still feels the excitement of the World Cups when people ask him for details about his experience. The most special moment, he recounts, was arriving in Korea, when the magnitude of the event began to become palpable for the team.
The former player described scoring a goal in Spain's 3-1 victory against Slovenia in 2002 as "unique" and "filled with great joy," a memory he cherishes with "great affection."
Regarding that squad, Valerón stated they felt they could "do something beautiful," aiming to surpass the quarter-finals, a feat they hadn't achieved in a long time. "We were aware of the potential we had," he added.
On the penalty shootout against Northern Ireland in the round of 16, where he missed his attempt and Iker Casillas became the hero, Valerón acknowledged the tension of the moment and admitted he "wasn't sharp," but highlighted Casillas's importance in that match, marking the beginning of his "great history" with the national team.
Regarding the controversial refereeing in the match against Korea, led by official Gamal Al-Ghandour, Valerón indicated that "everyone experienced it in their own way," and that he approached it "calmly and accepting things," although he lamented the elimination and the "sadness" of falling "just short."
Valerón reflected on how far that squad might have gone, suggesting that "taking away some of the pressure to meet the goal of passing the quarter-finals" might have allowed them to compete better against stronger teams.
About the current Spanish team, Valerón believes it is "strong and has the potential to go quite far," even to "be champions." However, he warns that "you never know what will happen" and that several players are "a bit tight" fitness-wise.
Regarding the Canary Islanders in the squad, he highlighted the "very important" role of Pedri, whom he sees at an "impressive level" and as "one of the leaders." As for Yéremy Pino, he noted his "more secondary" but key role, emphasizing his dynamism and versatility on the wings.
Luis de la Fuente's style is "ideal for Spain," according to Valerón, who was his student in a coaching course. "He is someone who is always looking for his team to evolve and find ways to win championships," he stated, adding that the team has become "chameleon-like" and that De la Fuente "will surprise us at the World Cup because he is a studious coach."
When asked if any current player reminds him of himself in 2002, Valerón pointed out that the "classic attacking midfielder" figure is different in the current squad, which tends to play with "three in midfield."
Regarding other favorite teams, Valerón believes that "almost always the same teams arrive," the ones that are "always there fighting because they are world powers." However, "many second-tier teams are getting closer and better prepared," making it "more difficult" for the established powers "to succeed."
On the new refereeing rules and VAR, Valerón believes that "anything that helps football be fairer is good," and that VAR "has come to help," although offside "is still a bit controversial."
He "loves" the expansion of the World Cup to 48 teams as a spectator, as it allows "those teams to be there" and ensures that "football remains the king of sports and can reach every corner of the world."
