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Spain coach Luis Enrique didn't appear pleased with his side's performance as he confessed that players let the blockbuster FIFA World Cup match against Germany slip away as it ended in a draw. Notably, Germany's Niclas Fulkrug scored the equalizer to keep the five-time champions Germany alive in the elite tournament.
Meanwhile, Enrique posted a heartwarming video via his social media informing him about his late daughter's birthday on Sunday, which made it a 'special day' for him. In a short video clip posted on Sunday, emotional Luis Enrique remembered his daughter and revealed that he is missing her so much as she is not physically present around him anymore but is still alive in his memories every day.
"It was a special day for my family and me. We no longer have our daughter with us physically, but she is still present daily. We remember her a lot; we laugh and think about how she would act in each situation we experience," said Louis Enrique. Notably, Xana passed away in 2019 after a five-month battle with a rare bone cancer, osteosarcoma.
The Spain coach had earlier posted a video on Instagram informing that his daughter, Xana Martínez, would have turned 13 had he been alive today. "Not only did we play Germany today, but Xanita would have turned 13. I wish her a good day wherever she is right now. This is how life works. It's not only about beautiful things and finding happiness; it's about knowing how to manage these moments," added Enrique.
The 52-year-old Enrique, a former Barcelona player and coach, is participating in his first World Cup as Spain's manager. Spain will advance to the round of 16 at the World Cup in Qatar if it avoids defeat against Japan in its final group-stage match on Thursday.
Meanwhile, Enrique said that there was a strange feeling in the changing room because Spain had the opportunity to beat Germany but admitted that players let it slip through their hands.
"We let it slip through our hands, which was a shame. But we must think that we are at the top of the so-called Group of Death and stay positive. A draw against Japan on Thursday would probably send us through to knockouts, but we will not speculate. We will use our full strength and go for the win to secure the top in the group standings," he said in a press conference.
