De la Fuente’s secrecy and Spain’s nerves after Cabo Verde draw | OneFootball

Spain’s win over Saudi Arabia arrived with a different story behind it. The camp had felt the strain after the 0-0 with Cabo Verde. According to Superdeporte, Luis de la Fuente kept his line-up under wraps until roughly two hours before kick-off.

The team selection was guarded so tightly that even players had few clues about changes, and some family members learned of the XI through the media. There were no hints or tell-tale gestures, the plan stayed inside and surprised parts of the travelling party.

In the mixed zone the squad pushed a calm line, speaking of trust and perspective. Yet there was real unease inside, with the flat opener leaving an uncomfortable mood that eased only once the victory was in the bag.

That frame also shaped Lamine Yamal’s situation. External readings suggested he had been affected by his debut, but team-mates tried to play that down. Álex Baena pointed to how buoyant he seemed after a strong first half, and Yamal avoided the wider press, speaking only to rights holders.

Post-match, those who played felt satisfaction without euphoria, and the substitutes accepted that winning and resetting the noise mattered most. Relief, rather than celebration, was the prevailing emotion.

Marc Cucurella hurried through the mixed zone, signalling the sole priority is the World Cup. Spain won, but the start left a mark, answered by De la Fuente’s secrecy, a more serious display and a measured dressing-room message. Outward calm, inside something different, though optimism has returned.

Source: Superdeporte