Spain laid to rest any doubts over their credentials as World Cup contenders with a convincing 3-0 win over Austria in the Round of 32. The victory marked a significant milestone for La Roja, with their fourth clean sheet of the tournament securing a record 520 consecutive minutes without conceding a goal.
Goalkeeper Unai Simon surpassed Italy's Walter Zenga, who achieved the feat in the 1990 World Cup. Manager Luis de la Fuente expressed his pride in the team's performance, stating that the win was "hugely important" and that he was "especially happy" for Simon, with whom he has a long-standing relationship.
Despite their convincing win, de la Fuente emphasized the need for continued improvement, stating that the team has yet to reach its ceiling. He described the team as "ambitious" and "insatiable" in sporting terms, with a clear focus on fine-tuning their high press and defensive work.
Specifically, de la Fuente pointed to the team's defensive areas as an area for improvement, acknowledging that they needed to fine-tune their high press and make corrections to maintain their efficiency rate. The manager also praised the performances of individual players, including Rodri Hernandez, who has played every minute for La Roja so far.
De la Fuente expressed his satisfaction with the team's style of play, highlighting the exceptional performances of players like Pedro and Dani Olmo, who have been instrumental in the team's success. He also hinted at the importance of having a settled starting midfield, with Rodri playing a key role in the team's defensive work.
The manager's comments suggest that La Roja is continuing to navigate the World Cup with confidence and composure, with a clear focus on improvement and progression. As they move forward in the tournament, fans will be eager to see how the team continues to develop and grow.
