Phoenix 24
Cucurella, Baena and Cubarsí trust Spain’s winning identity
LOS ANGELES, United States — July 2026.
Spain’s national team has projected confidence before facing Austria in the World Cup round of 32. Marc Cucurella, Álex Baena and Pau Cubarsí insisted that the squad remains convinced of its ability to fight for the championship. The players acknowledged that Spain has not always produced its most fluid football during the tournament. However, they rejected suggestions that criticism or recent performances have created uncertainty inside the group.
The three players spoke after a training session in the Los Angeles area. Spain has been adjusting to cooler temperatures and a different time zone following its previous stay in Chattanooga. The change of location has also allowed the coaching staff to prepare specific tactical solutions for the knockout phase. With elimination now possible in every match, the players emphasized the importance of concentration, patience and emotional control.
Cucurella said supporters should expect to see a stronger version of Spain against Austria. He explained that rival teams increasingly understand how to disrupt Spain’s possession-based approach. Opponents often close interior spaces, block passing lanes and force the ball toward less dangerous areas. Spain must therefore move the ball faster and create more effective combinations near the opposing penalty area.
The defender also warned about Austria’s ability to attack quickly after recovering possession. Spain’s full-backs and midfielders frequently advance, creating spaces that opponents may exploit through direct transitions. Cucurella said the team must remain balanced whenever it loses the ball. He stressed that confidence should not be confused with underestimating an organized and physically demanding rival.
Baena delivered the strongest declaration of ambition by stating that Spain entered the tournament to win the trophy. The midfielder said the squad continues to consider itself capable of defeating any national team. He accepted that Spain’s circulation has sometimes lacked the necessary speed. Nevertheless, he argued that difficult matches are normal because every opponent presents different tactical and physical challenges.
According to Baena, criticism has intensified because Spain competes as the reigning European champion. That status creates greater expectations and encourages opponents to prepare more carefully for every encounter. He said the players understand that pressure and accept the responsibility associated with being among the favorites. The midfielder believes that Spain’s quality will become more visible as the decisive matches demand greater intensity.
Baena also expressed his willingness to take a penalty if the match reaches a shootout. He explained that the squad has practiced penalties and prepared for the emotional pressure involved. Training has included different orders, delays and possible sudden-death situations. Spain wants every selected player to approach the penalty spot with clarity rather than hesitation.
Cubarsí supported the same message by separating respect for Austria from fear of elimination. The young defender said the squad feels focused, motivated and prepared for the challenge. He has played an important role in a Spanish defense that completed the group phase without conceding. His performances have strengthened his position within a team that values controlled possession and defensive discipline.
Despite receiving individual praise, Cubarsí said collective progress remains the priority. He emphasized that personal recognition has little value if Spain fails to advance. The defender also recognized that knockout football demands a different level of concentration. A single mistake can now end the team’s campaign, regardless of its previous performances or unbeaten record.
Spain’s preparation has included defensive transitions, alternative attacking structures and penalty practice. The coaching staff wants the team to respond effectively if Austria blocks its usual passing routes. Cucurella also said he would accept responsibility from the penalty spot if selected. He expressed openness to sharing the left side with Alejandro Grimaldo, whose technical qualities could strengthen Spain’s attacking options.
The squad has refused to use travel, weather or scheduling as excuses. Players noted that every team must adapt to demanding conditions during a tournament played across multiple countries and time zones. Spain now faces the challenge of converting confidence into a convincing performance. Victory will require faster possession, defensive balance and greater precision in the decisive areas of the field.
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