Soccer-Spain's De la Fuente says they must keep improving ahead of Uruguay clash


Soccer Football - FIFA World Cup 2026 - Spain Training - Baylor School, Chattanooga, Tennessee, U.S. - June 22, 2026 Spain coach Luis De La Fuente and Rodri during training IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters/Brett Davis

June 25 (Reuters) - Spain coach Luis de la ⁠Fuente said his side learned valuable lessons from ‌their goalless draw with Cape Verde and must continue improving ahead of Friday's World Cup Group H clash against Uruguay.

• ​De la Fuente said the draw ⁠with Cape Verde "made ⁠us better" and helped Spain produce an improved performance ⁠in ‌a 4-0 win over Saudi Arabia.

• De la Fuente dismissed suggestions Spain could settle ⁠for a draw against Uruguay, saying: "I only ​know how ‌to play to win."

• He defended winger Nico ⁠Williams' assertion ​that Spain are "the best", saying the squad's confidence is always matched by humility and respect for opponents.

• ⁠De la Fuente described Marcelo Bielsa's ​Uruguay as a physically and tactically demanding side and said it would be an honour to face a ⁠coach he greatly admires.

• The coach hailed Lamine Yamal as a "genius" in the making and praised Mikel Oyarzabal's football intelligence, saying the forward continues to ​impress him.

• The Spain boss ⁠hinted players "demanding opportunities" could be rewarded, but said ​he would make a final decision ‌on his lineup after the ​team's final training session.

(Reporting by Janina Nuno Rios in Mexico CityEditing by Toby Davis)

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