Spain coach cools De La Cruz and Nico Williams row before World Cup tie | OneFootball

Luis de la Fuente has sought to cool tensions between De La Cruz and Nico Williams after a late clash in Spain’s meeting with Uruguay on Friday 26.

The incident came in the closing minutes. With Uruguay trailing and facing elimination, De La Cruz went in strongly on Williams, who needed treatment and left the field feeling discomfort.

Williams later complained that he had suffered a fresh injury and called the challenge unnecessary, alleging his opponent acted out of frustration.

"After speaking with me, he was a different person, he seemed to have no discomfort. In the heat of the moment it is legitimate to say that, to show you are hurt," said Spain manager Luis de la Fuente, speaking to Nacional.

"But the next day his attitude in the group was completely different, he was cheerful. Nico does not have the injury we thought he had, it is only a muscle strain, but that discomfort could keep him out of the round of 32."

Spain now turn to the knockouts while Uruguay exit after a 1-0 defeat in the final round. De La Cruz, Arrascaeta and Varela have been granted 10 days off by Flamengo and will miss mid-season friendlies in Portugal.

Source: Coluna Do Fla