Spain manager Luis de la Fuente has expressed his frustration at the standard of officiating after his side’s physically demanding clash against Uruguay at the World Cup.
Refereeing decisions at this year’s tournament have attracted considerable criticism, with a series of questionable calls and a widespread tolerance of rough, physical play drawing widespread concern.
Spain were on the receiving end of some aggressive challenges throughout the match, and de la Fuente made clear that the conditions were far from ideal for his side to perform their natural game.
Despite the difficult circumstances, La Roja secured the victory and topped their group, qualifying as winners ahead of the knockout rounds.
De la Fuente was keen to praise his squad’s resilience in adapting to a style of match they are not typically accustomed to, calling the performance worthy of recognition.
“This team’s work is worthy of praise. We aren’t used to playing matches like this, yet we handled it well. From now on, the demands will be greater, but I believe this team is very solid,” he told Diario AS.
He added that despite the game being far removed from Spain’s usual flowing style, his players showed maturity and character to see it through successfully.
Late in the match, Agustin Canobbio was sent off for a reckless challenge on Pau Cubarsi, though Spanish frustrations at the referee’s general permissiveness throughout the game remained significant.
De la Fuente was diplomatic but pointed in his comments about the officiating, stating clearly that he hoped future games would allow Spain to play a more normal brand of football.
“Refereeing is difficult, but that is what VAR is for, to help in all kinds of matches. I hope we can play normal matches, regarding the challenges for the ball and the intensity, and focus on the football itself,” he said.
The Spanish boss confirmed that Yeremy Pino picked up a shoulder injury during the contest, casting serious doubt over his involvement for the remainder of the tournament.
Nico Williams is also a doubt after being involved in a series of aggressive challenges from Uruguay opponents throughout the match, adding to Spain’s growing injury concerns.
Spain managed just a single shot on target during the match, that effort coming from Alex Baena and proving to be the decisive moment that separated the two sides.
De la Fuente acknowledged that World Cup football presents a different challenge compared to the European Championship, which Spain won so impressively, pointing to the varying characteristics of international opposition.
“I have blind faith in this team, knowing that the demands of a World Cup differ from those of the European Championship. I believe that, with our 34-game unbeaten run, we have surpassed Brazil,” he said.
Spain will now face the runner-up of Group J in the Round of 32, with Austria currently occupying that position, though Algeria can still overtake them with a win in their final group game.
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