Spain coach sees seven matches left despite draw

Spain's national football team coach Luis de la Fuente urged calm and confidence after his side's disappointing 0-0 draw against Cape Verde in their tournament debut. "Obviously, it's a blow to morale when you don't get the result you want, to win, but not in the locker room at all," De la Fuente told reporters, acknowledging the team's struggle against a defensively solid opponent.

“

In our plan, we have seven matches left

Despite the setback, the coach emphasized the team's strong record, stating, "We are now 32 matches without a loss." He attributed the draw to a lack of "freshness and precision" in the final passes, but insisted there was no cause for "excessive doubt or worry." De la Fuente reminded critics that Spain is "here as European champions" and that this result was not part of their plan.

“

Obviously, it's a blow to morale when you don't get the result that you want, to win, but in the locker room not at all...

The coach also commented on the return of young player Lamine Yamal, who played 20 minutes after recovering from a thigh injury. "He showed today what he is from the moment he came on, by changing the opponent's behavior: fear appeared in the opponent... But it was the playing time we thought he could have," De la Fuente explained. He expressed conviction that the team will improve once they "regain their automatisms and get into the competition."

“

We are now 32 matches without a loss.

Looking ahead, De la Fuente reiterated his long-term vision, stating, "In our plan, we have seven matches left" until the final, referencing the number of games needed to win the tournament. Spain is set to face Saudi Arabia and Uruguay next in Group H.

“

He showed today what he is from the moment he came on, by changing the opponent's behavior: fear appeared in the opponent...