NEW YORK, June 21 (Xinhua) -- Spain coach Luis de la Fuente expressed satisfaction on Spanish television following his side's 4-0 win over Saudi Arabia in its second Group H match.
Spain cruised to victory with an opening goal from Lamine Yamal, before two goals from Mikel Oyarzabal made it 3-0 before the half hour. An own goal after Marc Cucurella's second-half shot rebounded into the net off Hassan Al Tambakti sealed a win that helped put behind disappointment of Spain's opening 0-0 draw against Cabo Verde.
Asked by Spanish state TV network RTVE about the difference between his side's first and second matches, De la Fuente said that "games are different, although our proposals are the same."
"We played an exceptional first half and a good second half and gave continuity to the work we have been doing against a different, but also difficult rival," said De la Fuente.
De la Fuente said Spain had "insisted we needed to be more vertical and more intense in the game, and we saw that with good crosses, good shooting and good chances," he added.
He commented that "everyone played well, such as Rodrigo Hernandez, but Lamine (Yamal) is the good news, we can see he is in form and Mikel Oyarzabal had a slight problem but has been exceptional."
"He's a very important player for us," concluded De la Fuente.
Oyarzabal, who was rested at halftime, said Spain was "happy to have turned things around (after the opening game) and with the feeling we had on the pitch."
He admitted he had not been as involved against Cabo Verde, but said he was much happier after things had gone well for the team.
Asked about the physical issue De la Fuente had referred to, the striker said: "I'm fine, the coach has looked to give minutes to other players. We have to give 100% and be content that others get time when we are changed." ■
