De la Fuente believes Spain will be even better in the next match.

Spain, nicknamed the "La Roja," drew 0-0 with Cape Verde in their opening Group H match of the 2026 World Cup, despite several threatening chances being thwarted. Coach De la Fuente stated after the match that he believes the team will perform better in the next game, while also needing to improve their efficiency and alertness in front of goal.

In the 39th minute, Rodri chipped a pass to Cucurella, who headed it across for Ferran Torres to unleash a shot, but the ball struck the post. In the 48th minute of the second half, Pedri chipped a pass into the box, but Oyarzabal's header went wide. Shortly after, Llorente passed to Fabian Ruiz outside the box, who fired a long-range shot, but the ball went over the post.

In the 72nd minute, substitute Yamal passed the ball back to Merino, who received a cross from Llorente and shot, but the ball was caught by Cape Verde goalkeeper Chivonia. In stoppage time of the second half, Pau Cubasi passed the ball to Yamal, who received it outside the penalty area and fired a long-range shot, but it was blocked.

Ultimately, Spain and Cape Verde drew 0-0, with neither side able to secure all three points.

In an interview, Spain's head coach De la Fuente said, "No matter what happens, this team is reliable. We are a very stable team and have been unbeaten in 32 consecutive games, and I believe we will perform even better in the next game."

"Such an outcome can occur when there is a lack of sufficient awareness at crucial moments. This is something we need to improve, nothing more. We will continue to stick to our path, because it is this path that has brought us to where we are today."

De la Fuente pointed out, "The competition in this World Cup is very fierce, and the gap between the teams is getting smaller and smaller. In terms of strength, they are obviously not as good as us, but they have done their job very well."

“We need to continue to grow, and with the talent these players possess, we will continue to move in the right direction. We are calm; this is a long tournament, and in our plans, we still hope to play all seven games.”

In addition, when talking about substitutes Yamal and Nico Williams, De la Fuente said, "Both of these players are capable of changing the course of a game, but the players in the starting lineup are also very good."

"With the next game coming up, we will have more options and the team will become stronger. As for Yamar, we believe that's the amount of playing time he can currently handle in his physical condition."

Image source: Internet