Spain Can Test Luis De La Fuente Project Against Scotland

Spain coach Luis de la Fuente was a surprise appointment and an early humiliating defeat by Scotland in March put his fledgling project on the ropes no sooner than it had begun. The Luis Rubiales forced kiss scandal further shook Spanish football and De la Fuente was criticised for his response to it, but he survived the wave of sackings across the Spanish football federation in September. On the pitch in the interim period, the 62-year-old's La Roja have been steadily improving and when they face Scotland in Seville on Thursday in Euro 2024 qualifying, they have a chance to prove it.

"I feel very strong, and respected -- the important thing is the results," said De la Fuente in September, ahead of qualifiers against Georgia and Cyprus, which Spain won emphatically.

De la Fuente led Spain to their first piece of silverware since Euro 2012 in June, overcoming Italy and then Croatia in the Nations League final.

In his six matches in charge Spain have secured five victories, with defeat by Scotland in Glasgow the only blemish.

Scott McTominay struck twice for the hosts in that match and Scotland boast a perfect record of five wins from five, leading Group A -- they can qualify with a win in Seville, or if Norway fail to beat Cyprus.

Spain and Manchester City midfielder Rodri angrily described Scotland's style as "a bit rubbish" and "not football".

Rodri quickly became the cornerstone of De la Fuente's team, following the international retirement of holding midfield veteran Sergio Busquets.

After being appointed in December to replace Luis Enrique after Spain's disappointing last-16 exit at the Qatar World Cup, De la Fuente made several other changes to the squad composition.

The coach axed Manchester United goalkeeper David