FIFA WC: Good news for Spain over Nico's injury as De la Fuente talks perseverance
New York, June 30
Spain has had some positive news on the injury front with the confirmation that winger Nico Williams didn't suffer a torn groin muscle in his side's 1-0 win over Uruguay on Friday night and has a chance of playing again in the World Cup.
Williams was seen limping badly after the game following a dreadful challenge from behind from Uruguay's Nicolas de la Cruz and early expectations were that he had suffered a groin injury that would end his World Cup.
Williams wrote on social media that it was the "worst day" of his life, but tests have shown that he hasn't suffered a torn muscle and that although he won't be able to play against Austria on July 2 in the last-32, if Spain qualifies, he will have a chance of playing in either the last-16 or quarter-finals. reports Xinhua.
Speaking on Spanish state TV network RTVE Spain coach Luis de la Fuente was asked about Williams and said that after he saw the winger's message, "I went to talk to him and gave him my opinion."
"I spoke to him about perseverance, about overcoming problems and suffering, because you have to be used to this kind of moment - and I told him he was prepared."
"It helped to change his attitude completely and if you speak to him (Williams) now, he will tell you things that are very different to that moment when he was really down," explained De la Fuente.
Speaking to the media, Marcos Llorente said, "It's a difficult moment for Nico and Yeremy, but they're already handling it better. The group is very important to us and if we go far they can help us. We have confidence in ourselves."
Spain, who have qualified for the knockout phase as Group H winners, will meet Group J runners-up Austria in the Round of 32 in Los Angeles on July 3.
— IANS
Reader Comments
That tackle from de la Cruz was nasty! Good to see football's medical teams moving fast. As a neutral fan, Spain-Austria should be a cracker. Hope Nico is back for the knockout stages.
Honestly, this is a relief for Spanish fans. Williams is a game-changer with his pace. But I was a bit disappointed with how he reacted initially — writing "worst day of my life" before scans came out seemed premature. Glad De la Fuente stepped in, though. Mental toughness is as important as physical fitness, especially in high-pressure tournaments. India can learn from this approach in our own sports development.
De la Fuente's man-management skills are on point here. The way he turned around Nico's mindset is impressive. Also good to see Llorente backing the team's depth. Spain looking strong for the rest of the tournament! ⚽
Even as a neutral, glad this didn't turn into a career-threatening injury. Football is brutal sometimes. Hope Austria gives Spain a good fight — but with or without Nico, Spain have the edge. On a side note, Xinhua reporting on FIFA WC is interesting; glad global coverage is there!
It's heartwarming to see a coach personally talk to a player in distress. De la Fuente's "perseverance" message shows real leadership. Reminds me of how MS Dhoni used to calm down young cricketers in India. Hope Nico is back soon — Spain need his energy! 🇪🇸
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