Spain national team head coach Luis de la Fuente emphasized the high expectations placed on his team ahead of their 2026 World Cup Round of 16 match against Austria.
De la Fuente stated, "We continue to grow under pressure. I like that high hopes are placed on us. Now we must live up to them – because there is no room for error, we must win the next match."
He highlighted the team's continuous improvement, noting, "It's a process, a path that we must go through. Opponents are different, football styles are different, and we need to improve and progress."
Spain began the tournament with a goalless draw against Cape Verde, followed by victories over Saudi Arabia and Uruguay. The match against Austria is scheduled for today, July 2nd.
Djaniny Tavares is a Cape Verdean forward, born on 21 January 1991. He is 35 years old in 2026. He currently plays for Al-Hilal in the Saudi Pro League, having moved from Al-Fateh in the summer of 2025. He has been a regular member of the Cape Verde national side since his debut in 2013, scoring over 15 goals in more than 40 caps.