Spain manager fumes over officiating in Uruguay win: “Hopefully we can play normal games from here”

De la Fuente: Demands at World Cup are different to Euros

During the clash with Uruguay, La Roja managed just a single shot on target from Alex Baena, which proved to be the difference. De la Fuente explained that it was no surprise his side were not performing as they did during their swashbuckling Euro 2024 win.

“I have blind faith in this team, knowing that the demands of a World Cup differ from those of the European Championship. The national teams we face have different characteristics. The starting point is different, but I have total and absolute confidence in this squad. I believe that, with our 34-game unbeaten run, we have surpassed Brazil. That shows this team aims for the highest level, and I think we are on the right track.”

Nonetheless, Spain qualified first, and will face the runner-up of Group J in the Round of 32. That is currently set to be Austria, but Algeria can overtake them with a win in their final match.