Spain coach Luis de la Fuente said his team has not yet reached its peak following a 3-0 [1] victory over Austria in Los Angeles.
The result maintains Spain's momentum in the tournament and establishes the squad as a dominant force as they move deeper into the competition.
De la Fuente said the performance was nearly flawless, stating that the team had brushed against perfection. Despite the convincing win, the coach said the squad remains highly ambitious and must continue to evolve. He said this specific match would serve as a launching pad for further growth in the next stage of the tournament.
"This team still has not hit its ceiling," De la Fuente said [2].
He said the players are aware of the need for constant improvement to reach their maximum potential [3]. This mindset follows a series of dominant displays where the team has controlled the pace of play and limited opponent opportunities.
Defensive stability has been a hallmark of the campaign. Goalkeeper Unai Simón has reached a significant milestone, recording 519 minutes [4] without conceding a goal in a World Cup. This performance surpasses the previous record held by Walter Zenga [4].
"Very ambitious, it has not hit the ceiling, and we know that we must continue improving," De la Fuente said [3].
The victory in Los Angeles ensures Spain's progression in the tournament. While sources differ on the specific round of the victory, the result confirms the team's status as a favorite to advance further in the bracket.
“"This team still has not hit its ceiling."”
Spain's combination of a record-breaking defensive run and a high-scoring offense suggests a rare tactical balance. By publicly stating the team has not yet peaked, De la Fuente is attempting to prevent complacency while signaling to future opponents that the current level of play is not the squad's maximum capability.
