Spain coach Luis de la Fuente said his side still have another level to reach after a 3-0 win over Austria sent them into the World Cup last 16, warning his players against complacency despite another dominant display.
Spain brushed Austria aside in the Round of 32 with two goals from Mikel Oyarzabal and Pedro Porro’s first international goal. They controlled possession, shut down Austria’s attack and kept another clean sheet.
De la Fuente welcomed the performance but refused to treat it as Spain’s peak level.
“I have many reasons to be happy today. First because of the victory, we won significantly and the image of the team was fabulous,” he said.
“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.”
Spain have not conceded a goal in the tournament and continue to build momentum, but De la Fuente focused on standards rather than results. He pointed to details in Spain’s pressing game and demanded more from a side that has looked one of the strongest teams in the competition.
“There were situations where we lacked high pressure. You need to keep improving all the time.”
The Spain coach also stressed the importance of mentality as the tournament moves deeper into the knockout rounds.
“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.”
His message centred on a winner’s mentality. Spain moved into the last 16 with confidence and control, but De la Fuente wants his players to keep chasing standards rather than praise.
“When you get flattered and believe it, you become weaker. Satisfaction can kill you.”
De la Fuente also praised Marc Cucurella after the left-back supplied two assists for Oyarzabal.
“The next phase will be increasingly demanding. We have wonderful players, but the only focus is to exceed our own expectations.”
