Fabian Ruiz believes Spain is building necessary steam as the European champions prepare for a Thursday showdown against Austria. The team hopes to break a 16-year streak of failing to win a knockout-stage match at the World Cup. After a scoreless draw against Cape Verde, the squad recovered by defeating Saudi Arabia and Uruguay to lead Group H.
Ruiz acknowledged that the initial tournament match was difficult, noting that the team is steadily improving. Although Spain won the tournament in 2010, they have faced significant setbacks in subsequent editions, including early exits in 2014 and consecutive penalty shootouts in the round of 16. The midfielder emphasized the unpredictability of the current competition, pointing to Germany’s recent elimination by Paraguay as a warning that no opponent can be underestimated.
The 30-year-old midfielder has faced a reduced role recently, starting on the bench after a stellar performance during Euro 2024. He remains professional, stating that his primary goal is to support his teammates regardless of his playing status. With injuries affecting key players like Nico Williams and Yeremy Pino, along with concerns regarding Victor Munoz and Lamine Yamal, Ruiz could potentially see time in a new wide position if required by manager Luis de la Fuente.
The team also expressed concern regarding the level of physical play in recent matches. Ruiz commented on the officiating, noting that while the team prefers an uninterrupted flow of play, referees must step in to prevent dangerous tackles. He expressed hope that future officiating will provide better protection for the players.
