Baena confident Spain has the team to win upcoming match

Spain's Álex Baena is confident the national team is ready to win their upcoming match against Austria, despite acknowledging challenges in adapting to their playing rhythm and facing well-prepared opponents.

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We have come here to win and we have the team for it; hopefully, it will be so.

"We have come here to win and we have the team for it; hopefully, it will be so," Baena stated in the mixed zone at the Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California. He added that he feels increasingly comfortable with "La Roja" and is eager to contribute, prioritizing the team's success.

The midfielder highlighted the importance of ball speed, a characteristic of Spain's play, and noted its effectiveness in previous matches. "We are not playing badly. We would like to have the rhythm of the ball that has characterized us in recent years, but we are improving," he commented. Baena also recognized that opponents are increasingly prepared to defend against Spain, and that the team, like all players, has off days. However, he affirmed that the team is responding well.

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We are not playing badly. We would like to have the rhythm of the ball that has characterized us in recent years, but we are improving.

Baena admitted that the long distances and time zone differences inherent in the World Cup affect all teams, but stressed that these are not excuses for not performing at their best. "They are long trips, with significant time differences that you have to get used to every three days, but they are not excuses. You have to adapt as quickly as possible," he said.

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They are long trips, with significant time differences that you have to get used to every three days, but they are not excuses. You have to adapt as quickly as possible.

Addressing criticism following Spain's early group stage performances, Baena stated, "When you win, everything is good, and when you lose, there is more criticism. We focus on our own business and what we have to do; there will always be noise outside." He concluded by asserting the team's self-belief: "For us, we are the best team in the world. The reigning European champions. It is very difficult to beat us, everyone wants to beat us, and that is very nice."

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When you win, everything is good, and when you lose, there is more criticism. We focus on our own business and what we have to do; there will always be noise outside.