This is version of Spain were used to World Cup should be on notice

INGLEWOOD, Calif.— It took Spain three weeks and four games into this World Cup to arrive fully formed, long enough to cause distinct murmuring over some of manager Luis de la Fuente’s choices and a certain unease when one compared La Roja’s group stage to the waltz performed by France and Argentina. That is all behind them now. The Spain we saw here at SoFi Stadium on Thursday, the one that dismantled Austria 3-0 without ever seeming to break a sweat, is the Spain that won the European championship two summers ago and might go one better this summer. “I cannot remember any unforced error they made,” Austria manager Ralf Rangnick said.

“I think Spain, today, really showed us their best performance.I would dare to say that we did not only [face] the European champion, but possibly the next world champion.” Rangnick, whose side had to face Argentina in the group, might be worth listening to. It was almost galling how easy this was.

Spain won the expected goals 2.84 to 0.32; it outshot Austria 23-5 and had two-thirds of the possession, per SofaScore.Goalkeeper Unai Simón never had to make a save.

Granted, it was not the hardest match Spain could have played in the Round of 32, but just ask Germany whether that matters. “If I were Spain’s opponent, I would ask myself, what can they improve? There’s really not much left to improve,” Rangnick said.“They are a perfect clockwork.” De La Fuente, already perhaps looking ahead to the Round of 16 where either Portugal or Croatia awaits, refused to agree.

The manager who took Spain to the European title two years ago insisted there’s still a higher level from his side. “Perhaps you saw what you think is the best of us, but that’s in our spirit: You keep doing things better,” he said.“To keep on enhancing, keep on improving.

You need to remember, this team has not reached its cap.… We are insatiable.”  Built for match days and everyday wear, this officially licensed USM...