Spain has no reason to doubt after the stalemate in Cape Verde, says national coach De la Fuente

Spain manager Luis De La Fuente insisted there was no reason to worry after his side were held to a frustrating 0-0 draw by World Cup debutants Cape Verde on Monday. He said his players had earned the right to rely on themselves after winning the 2024 European Championship with a brilliant unbeaten run.

Spain dominated for long periods but failed to convert pressure into goals against a disciplined Cape Verdean side that defended deep and denied the European champions the rhythm in the final third.

“A team that has been unbeaten for more than 30 games should not have any doubts,” De La Fuente said at a news conference, pointing to Spain’s consistency for more than three years.

«The solution is to stick to the same approach, to keep improving with more finesse, but there you go. We created a lot of chances but lacked the freshness you need in these games,» he said.

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«They are very well organised; they were sitting deep as one and it was very difficult to create space.»

De La Fuente admitted Spain lacked sharpness and fluency but said the performance was not without attacking intent.

«We lacked movement and freshness, but if the ball just doesn’t go in, it doesn’t go in,» he said.

«We had shots on target, chances and the desire to settle the match with a quick goal. We know this is very difficult and it is incredibly difficult to win here.»

Spain finished the match with Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams on the pitch after both were introduced late in the second half, with De ⁠la Fuente making their return after hamstring injuries.

“The goal is to gradually bring them into the team and give them playing time,” he said.

“I am sure they will improve, just like against Saudi Arabia, in the next match and beyond.”

Published on June 16, 2026