Spain boss Luis de la Fuente is confident his players can handle the threat offered by Cristiano Ronaldo when his team face Portugal at World Cup 2026 on Monday.
Ronaldo is still going at the age of 41 and has scored four goals so far at the World Cup. De la Fuente was asked about a possible duel between Pau Cubarsi and Ronaldo and says the Barcelona star can handle it.
“You can never relax against Cristiano, just like with Lamine or Oyarzabal. But I have absolute confidence in my players. That’s the
game: to overcome the opponent, especially near the penalty areas. Both Pau and Laporte have shown absolute composure. They are exceptional and can beat any opponent. It’s a battle to see who can do the most. I think we can control those situations,” he told reporters.
“A footballer isn’t defined solely by his talent, but by a thousand other factors. And players like Cubarsí, Lamine, and Nico have a brilliant command of those situations. That’s the difference. They’re technically gifted, but the key is how they handle those moments. They play with great composure. At crucial moments, a player like Laporte brings that experience, and they complement each other fantastically. We’ve achieved a phenomenal balance. Between the four of us.”
Cubarsi has shone for Spain so far at the tournament but De la Fuente has warned his players that Ronaldo will pose a threat.
“I’m a huge fan of Cristiano, of people like him. Strong-willed, tireless. A role model. I’m in awe of him. It’s not the legacy he’s leaving, but the one he’s going to leave,” he added.
“We have to be aware of him in every situation. It’s not about man-marking him, but we do have to be aware of him everywhere on the pitch. I’d prefer he didn’t play, but he’s going to play. We’ll enjoy watching one of the best players in history on the field.”
Spain are yet to concede a goal at the tournament so far and know victory over Portugal will send them through to a quarter-final against USA or Belgium.
