Spain had come under pressure after a disappointing goalless draw against Cape Verde raised questions about their ability to challenge for the trophy. However, Sunday's convincing win, helped by the return of Lamine Yamal to the starting line-up, quickly changed the mood around the team.

De la Fuente pointed to Spain's remarkable consistency as evidence that the criticism was misplaced.

"I think it's crazy to question this team," he said.

"We have been unbeaten for 33 consecutive games. You can have better days, worse days, normal days, but questioning, doubting this generation of very young footballers with a bright future, I think it's unfair."

The Spanish coach admitted that negative comments had motivated his squad ahead of the match.

"Nobody enjoys receiving criticism," De la Fuente said.

"Their pride was hurt, of course, because this is not a reality. We can do even better than this, as we've shown on other occasions."

He added that the criticism had produced a positive reaction from a group he described as highly committed and determined to prove their quality on the biggest stage.

Much of the attention before the game centred on Mikel Oyarzabal after the forward struggled to influence the draw with Cape Verde. The striker answered those doubts in style, scoring twice and providing an assist during a dominant first-half display.

His performance placed him in rare company, becoming only the second player since 1966 to be involved in three goals within the opening 25 minutes of a World Cup match, following Hungary's Laszlo Fazekas in 1982.

De la Fuente was quick to praise the Real Sociedad forward.

"People who know about football value him greatly," he said.

"The impact Mikel has on the team is massive. I'm convinced that he's a footballer that can really make history in Spanish football."

Spain will now look to carry their momentum into Friday's final group match against Uruguay as they aim to secure their place in the knockout stages.

Barcelona brush off Madrid blackout chaos ahead of Inter Milan clash