'Satisfaction can kill', says Spain coach De la Fuente after Austria rout

Spain's commanding 3-0 victory against Austria has propelled them into the World Cup last 16, but coach Luis de la Fuente is urging his team to temper their celebrations. He warned that complacency could be their downfall, famously stating, "satisfaction can kill."

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I have many reasons to be happy today. First because of the victory, we won significantly and the image of the team was fabulous.

The Spanish side has been a defensive powerhouse, yet to concede a goal in the tournament. Their latest performance was a masterclass in dominance, with Mikel Oyarzabal netting twice and Pedro Porro adding another goal. This display has solidified their position as one of the tournament favorites. De la Fuente acknowledged the reasons for happiness but stressed that the team's potential is far from fully realized.

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But there is still room for improvement. Perhaps you think you have seen the best of us, but this team has not yet reached its capabilities. There is more to do.

"Perhaps you think you have seen the best of us, but this team has not yet reached its capabilities. There is more to do," he told reporters. He highlighted that Spain's success is built on a sustained process, not just isolated brilliant performances. The upcoming knockout rounds will demand an even higher level of play, and he sees the Austria match as a crucial foundation.

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Today's performance should be the foundation for what comes next. We are going to keep improving and doing things better ... We are not yet satisfied, we are going for more.

De la Fuente pointed out areas for improvement, even in such a strong showing. "There were situations where we lacked high pressure. You need to keep improving all the time," he noted. He specifically praised left-back Marc Cucurella for his two assists, calling him "invaluable." The coach reiterated that the focus remains on exceeding expectations as the competition intensifies.

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There were situations where we lacked high pressure. You need to keep improving all the time.