Spain boss calls critics ‘crazy’ after Saudi Arabia rout silences doubters

ATLANTA – Spain faced plenty of scrutiny and criticism after a disappointing start to their World Cup campaign, but following a resounding win over Saudi Arabia on June 21, coach Luis de la Fuente said people were crazy to question his side.

A lethargic goal-less draw with Cape Verde led to doubts over Spain’s ability to go all the way at the tournament, but a 4-0 victory, inspired by the return of Lamine Yamal to the starting line-up, has restored the faith.

“I think it’s crazy to question this team,” de la Fuente said at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.

“We have been unbeaten for 33 consecutive games. You can have better days, worse days, normal days, but questioning, doubting this generation of very young footballers with a bright future, I think it’s unfair.”

The Spanish coach said on June 20 that his players had been motivated by the critics, and he reiterated that point after the win.

“Nobody enjoys receiving criticism,” added de la Fuente, who turned 65 on June 21.

“Their pride was hurt, of course, because this is not a reality. We can do even better than this, as we’ve shown on other occasions.

“Those remarks that they hear, of course, sometimes make them react. And that’s good because it’s a very committed, dedicated team with amazing quality.

“You are great professionals. But there are things I wouldn’t like to listen to. And that’s why I don’t listen to any programme, for example, and that’s why I try to stay positive and to isolate myself from all that noise.”

Much was made of Mikel Oyarzabal’s unhappy record of failing to touch the ball in the opening 30 minutes against Cape Verde, but the Spanish striker provided an assist and scored twice in the first half against Saudi Arabia. Spain’s final goal came via an own goal by Hassan Al-Tambakti.

The Real Sociedad attacker became the second player to have three goal involvements in the opening 25 minutes of a World Cup game since records began in 1966, after Hungary’s Laszlo Fazekas against El Salvador in 1982.

Oyarzabal, 29, also scored the winning goal in the Euro 2024 final against England.

“People who know about football value him greatly,” said de la Fuente.

“Unfortunately, there are people who think that he doesn’t have such a big impact. The impact Mikel has on the team is massive, probably bigger than any other player could have in the world.

“I'm convinced that he’s a footballer that can really make history in Spanish football. His numbers are crazy. So I just celebrate his performance and hopefully, we will be able to value him properly.”

Spain sit top of Group H with four points while Saudi Arabia have one after two games. Cape Verde and Uruguay are on two points apiece after they drew 2-2 in another game on June 21.

Saudi coach Georgios Donis said he remains “proud” of his players as he called for realism after the heavy defeat by La Roja.

“I’m proud of everything the players do every day, I am not going to lose my pride in the players after a poor result,” said the Greek, who took charge in April.

“I’ve seen games at the World Cup that have ended 5-1 and 6-0. We are here to take the criticism, but I also expect all those that criticise us to be realists as well.”

Saudi Arabia held Uruguay 1-1 in their opening game, but there was little evidence that the billions splashed on foreign stars to raise the level of their domestic league has aided the national team.

They do have a chance to make amends against Cape Verde in their final group game, where victory will likely secure passage to the knockout stages for the first time since the 1994 World Cup.

REUTERS, AFP