Luis de la Fuente defends Rodri after Spain's draw with Cape Verde

 The criticism leveled at Rodri after Spain's draw with the Cape Verde Islands in the World Cup is "offensive," says coach Luis de la Fuente. Spain, one of the tournament favorites, surprisingly drew goalless with the debutants from Cape Verde in their first group match. The Opta supercomputer gave Spain an 87.2% chance of winning the match, and the difference of 65 places in the FIFA rankings between the teams was the largest in a World Cup match where a higher-ranked team had not won since the rankings were published in 1993. After the draw, Rodri faced severe criticism from the Spanish media for the lack of dynamics in the game. He was replaced by Nico Williams in the 87th minute as Spain desperately looked for victory, despite having the most touches (134) and passes (126, of which 116 were on target) in the match. De la Fuente defended the former Ballon d'Or winner, whom he still considers the best player in the world. "I find it incredibly offensive that people say that about the best player in the world," De la Fuente told Cadena COPE radio. "Would people say that about others who are considered the best in the world? I don't think they would dare. But because they are Spanish, we say things about ourselves that we wouldn't say about others... Rodri is the best player in the world. Even 50% better than most other midfielders in the world. He brings clarity, vision, balance. Rodri is an inspiration for us." De la Fuente introduced star winger Lamine Jamal from the bench in the 71st minute against Cape Verde after his club season was cut short due to a muscle injury. Spain will face Saudi Arabia in their second match on Sunday and De la Fuente's side need a win to stay top of the group heading into the final match day, but there is no guarantee the Barcelona man will start. "We will evaluate it. Games are decided in the second half. You don't win many games in the first 45 minutes," De la Fuente added. "We will assess whether it is better for him to start or to take advantage of the opponent's fatigue in the last minutes, when Lamine is decisive. It will depend on the situation in the match. They [the injured players] will come when we need them. On Sunday they will get more minutes, and in the third match against Uruguay they will be even better. At the last European Championship, Dani Olmo arrived with an injury. He could have stayed at home. We decided to take a risk. Olmo arrived, recovered and became the best shooter. Nobody remembers it now, but I remember." --- ## Related Articles 1. [Harry Kane Equals Lineker's World Cup Record, Deemed England's Greatest Striker](https://pitchpulsemedia.com/en/news/harry-kane-equals-linekers-world-cup-record-deemed-englands-greatest-striker) 2. [Panini's 2026 World Cup Album: Neymar Omitted, Ronaldo Included](https://pitchpulsemedia.com/en/news/paninis-2026-world-cup-album-neymar-omitted-ronaldo-included)