Photo by RFEF. De la Fuente speaks to the media.
Spain and Portugal will face each other in the Iberian derby to advance to the quarterfinals of the World Cup on Monday night, which could be Cristiano Ronaldo’s last game in international football if La Roja wins. Spain manager Luis de la Fuente admitted he was a fan of the former Real Madrid player before they faced him.
Although he declared that he has full faith in Pau Cubarsi and Aymeric Laporte to overcome the battle with Ronaldo in their game, de la Fuente was full of praise for the 41-year-old striker.
“I am a person who says I appreciate Cristiano, people like him. He has character and is tireless; he is an example of values. I salute him. It is not just the legacy he left behind, but the one he will make. You have to watch him carefully in any situation. You don’t have to mark where you have to mark a person, but you have to consider him. He didn’t play, but we will be happy to watch one of the greatest players in history outside the field,” he told Diario AS.
De la Fuente: Spain have an excellent midfield
De la Fuente has a reputation for supporting his players publicly and privately, and he reiterated that for him, Spain have the best midfielder in the world, as they will face Bruno Fernandes, Vitinha and Joao Neves.
“I allow myself to think that my players are the best in the world, but we are facing a team with very similar characteristics. We are very comfortable when we defend and in possession, we play a game based on combinations. We will see who raises the scale in their favor. It will be a game decided by good partners. We will try to stay aware of those details.”
Lamine Battle of Mal-Nuno Mendes
One of the few players with a good record against Lamine Yamal, Portugal defender Nuno Mendes will be tasked with keeping the Barcelona man quiet.
“Nuno Mendes has no doubt given many players difficulties; he is very good. Just like Lamine has caused many defenders to sleepless nights. We need to keep him calm, although he does not need much reassurance, as he is humble. Above all, he must not feel worried. He needs to focus on himself and the team, as he always does differently. If only another game gets better. Let’s hope that he will give us a brilliant afternoon.”
The Spain manager was also asked if Lamine Yamal was willing to make an extra effort in defense to silence Mendes and continue the other way.
“Lamine is always willing to do more, but we shouldn’t ask too much from him. We are all happy with what he gives us. The aim is to make the defender suffer, we know that if they take a step then everyone will have to suffer.”
Suspension of Nico Williams and Folarin Balogun
Spain have three major injury problems, all centered on the left side. Alex Baena is likely to start there again, but Nico Williams trained before the game, and Yeremy Pino will be available. It will be the same for Victor Munoz, who admitted that he was 100%, but he was able to play.
“We will see how the game will go, that will determine whether he gets minutes or not. We will look at what is best for the team and for him. He can play, remembering that he will not come back from injuries and layoffs, but going into a good game is different than a good one. We will see. You can have a different plan, but the football goes in a different way. see about him and Víctor more tomorrow.”
Prior to de la Fuente’s publication, the headlines were FIFA’s decision to suspend Folarin Balogun’s red card, allowing him to play against Belgium. He was asked about his thoughts on the unprecedented decision.
“I don’t know the reasons that led FIFA to take that decision. I can’t give my opinion on this matter,” he said slowly.
