Advertisement
World Cup: De la Fuente urges Spain to raise level despite dominant Austria victory
03rd July, 2026 08:06 AM
Spain manager Luis de la Fuente praised his side after their convincing 3-0 triumph over Austria on Thursday, July 2, 2026, but stressed that even greater tests lie ahead as his team continues its pursuit of a second FIFA World Cup crown.
Mikel Oyarzabal struck twice, while Pedro Porro netted his maiden international goal, helping Spain comfortably secure a place in the Round of 16 at Los Angeles Stadium.
“The big teams turn up when their presence is needed,” De la Fuente said. “I think today we’ve seen a great game. I’m happy because in all aspects we’ve been almost perfect, but we have to keep improving. Every match now is going to be very difficult.”
Spain will now face Portugal, with a quarterfinal spot at stake.
Although delighted with the display against Austria, De la Fuente insisted his players must continue striving for higher standards as the tournament progresses.
Round of 16 challenge
“In the last 16, the opponents are now even more demanding. You can always improve and on top of that, it’s what this team demands. These players always want more and more. [Oyarzabal] showed the footballing potential he has – and the rest of his teammates exactly the same. They played an extraordinary match.” He explained.
Oyarzabal also entered Spain’s World Cup history books, becoming the first player since Emilio Butragueno in 1986 to score twice for the national team in a knockout-stage World Cup fixture.
The Real Sociedad attacker has now taken his tally to four goals at this year’s competition after previously bagging two goals in Spain’s 4-0 group-stage victory over Saudi Arabia.
“He’s an extraordinary footballer but a normal person. That’s his strength,” De la Fuente said.
Spain’s goalkeeper Unai Simon also celebrated a personal milestone, setting a new World Cup record by going 519 straight minutes without conceding, surpassing Walter Zenga’s previous mark of 517 minutes established in 1990.
Simon has now recorded five consecutive World Cup clean sheets, a run stretching back to the 2022 tournament in Qatar.
