De la Fuente’s secrecy and Spain’s real tension after Cabo Verde | OneFootball

Spain’s win over Saudi Arabia brought relief, yet the opening hours of their World Cup were shaped by Luis de la Fuente’s secrecy and by anxiety lingering from the 0-0 with Cabo Verde.

According to El Periódico Mediterráneo, the head coach hid his XI until around two hours before kick-off. Players were given no clear hints and some relatives learned the line-up from the media. The plan did not leak and the selection surprised many inside the camp.

That control contrasted with the mixed zone message. Players preached calm and confidence, yet tension followed the flat debut because the team had not convinced and the draw left an awkward mood. Victory helped project a cleaner, more controlled image.

Lamine Yamal’s situation followed the same script. From the outside he had been viewed as affected by the opener, yet team-mates sought to play that down, noting he had produced a strong first half. The winger avoided the written press, leaving via another exit and speaking only to rights holders.

Those who played were satisfied to navigate a tricky assignment after the early stumble, without any euphoria. The substitutes accepted that winning and resetting the noise after Cabo Verde mattered most. The mood was more relief than excitement.

Marc Cucurella hurried through the mixed zone, underlining that the only priority is the World Cup. Spain won, but what was not visible suggested the start left a scar. Outward calm remained, inside it had been different, yet optimism has returned.

Source: El Periódico Mediterráneo