Spain Coach Plays Down Iraq Draw

Spain are heading to the World Cup with a star-studded squad. However, many supporters were left somewhat disappointed after the team drew against Iraq, a side significantly lower in strength, ahead of the start of the main tournament.

Head coach de la Fuente, however, expressed no disappointment over the result. He said that avoiding injuries and giving opportunities to all players is currently the most important priority.

Key player Lamine Yamal has still not fully recovered from injury. De la Fuente fielded a rotated side, leaving regular starters such as Nico Williams, Pedri, Rodri, and David Raya on the bench. Despite controlling 63 percent of possession, the 2010 champions failed to secure a win.

Speaking after the match, de la Fuente said that their main focus is to give opportunities to other players and to not get injured.

De la Fuente also sees a bright future for the debutants in the match. De la Fuente said the team is now entering a new phase that will demand greater intensity and require more players to step up. He added that the squad will travel to the United States the following day, where their focus will shift fully. He noted that the players had earned the opportunity, and the match allowed him to hand debuts to those who deserved them. He described them as the future of the team and said they would soon feature in the senior squad.

The coach also expressed confidence that Yamal and the rest of the squad will be fully fit for the main tournament. De la Fuente also said the team is working according to plan and the schedule gives them confidence that they must be ready by the 15th. He noted that everything is progressing well, although there may be a day when they have to postpone certain plans.

Spain will play another warm-up match against Peru on June 9 ahead of the World Cup. Their World Cup campaign begins on June 15.