Satisfaction can kill: Spain coach Luis de la Fuente after 3-0 Austria rout

INGLEWOOD – Coach Luis de la Fuente refused to get carried away after Spain’s commanding 3-0 victory over Austria on July 2 sent them into the World Cup last 16, insisting that there was still plenty of room for improvement and warning that “satisfaction can kill”.

Spain, who have yet to concede a goal at the tournament, produced a dominant display as Mikel Oyarzabal scored twice and Pedro Porro once to underline their status as one of the favourites.

“I have many reasons to be happy today. First because of the victory, we won significantly and the image of the team was fabulous,” de la Fuente told reporters.

“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.”

He also said La Roja’s progress had been built on a long-term process rather than one standout performance and stressed that the knockout rounds would demand even higher standards.

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

It was a convincing victory following another impressive defensive display in which Austria failed to register a shot on target. But de la Fuente reiterated that it is not right to say that Spain had reached their peak, as he pointed out areas in which he was not satisfied.

“There were situations where we lacked high pressure. You need to keep improving all the time,” he said at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles.

“When you get flattered and believe it, you become weaker. Satisfaction can kill you.”

The 65-year-old was, however, full of praise for his left-back Marc Cucurella, who provided two assists for Oyarzabal, calling him “invaluable” and a “top-notch player”.

“The next phase will be increasingly demanding,” de la Fuente added, as he looked ahead to a last-16 clash with neighbours and big rivals Portugal. “We have wonderful players, but the only focus is to exceed our own expectations.”

Spain will also take encouragement from the performance of 18-year-old Lamine Yamal, who looked to have shaken off the hamstring injury that hampered him earlier in the tournament.

The teenager said he was gradually rediscovering his rhythm after a lively display.

“Little by little, I’m starting to feel like myself again,” the star winger said.

“Making the runs I need to make, the dribbles – everything.”

With Spain heading to Arlington, Yamal said there was no margin for error.

“The crucial moment is now,” he added. “You can go home if you want, but that’s not what any of us wants, no Spaniard wants that, and we’re going to give it our all. Now it’s time to rest and think about the next match.”

While de la Fuente was eager to play down how good his team was, Austria coach Ralf Rangnick said his team’s ability to progress in the World Cup was stymied by facing an incredible Spain team at their best.

“Today we met an opponent who is simply in a class of its own and where it was actually difficult to stand up to them for 90 minutes,” the German said.

“Spain undoubtedly delivered their best performance of the tournament today, by far. And, I might be taking a risk in saying this, but I wouldn’t be surprised if we had faced not only the reigning European champions, but also the future world champions.

“If they continue to play at this level, it will be extremely difficult to beat the Spanish.” REUTERS