Jesús Velasco witnessed Spain’s World Cup collapse in Uzbekistan firsthand. As reported on September 11, the former Barça coach traveled to Andiján to observe the knockout stage and continue his work. Based on what was seen, the Toledo coach has significant challenges ahead. Although the incoming coach tried to blend in as a regular spectator in a half-empty pavilion, Marca’s special correspondent, Javier Mancebo, confirmed his presence.
A few hours later, after the surprising defeat against Vinotinto, Diario AS journalist Juanma Leiva asked Fede Vidal about his future. The outgoing coach replied, “This is not the time to answer that question; the press knows it before I do.” Despite fully knowing the Spanish Federation’s decision months ago, the Andalusian coach continues to avoid acknowledging the harsh reality. The players were also aware of what had become common knowledge. National Teams official José Miguel Calle and expedition leader Antonio García Plata were also fully informed about the signing of Jesús Velasco, a priority for National Futsal Committee president José Miguel Monje, whose presence in Uzbekistan was planned for the semifinals. The head of the Murcia Federation was overly optimistic about the National Team, despite creating an unstable situation with the coaching staff, unsuitable for facing a World Championship.
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Fede Vidal’s departure was long-anticipated, and Jesús Velasco will soon take over a National Team in decline. Spain hit rock bottom in Uzbekistan and continued to slip into unfamiliar territory. After quarterfinal eliminations in Colombia 2016 and Lithuania 2021, the World Cup exit came in the round of 16. For only the second time in its history, Spain failed to make the top 8. The last time was in 1989 during the first World Cup when they didn’t advance past the group stage. From 1992 onwards, Spain had consistently been in the top eight. However, it has now been eight years since they’ve been among the top four, twelve years since reaching a FIFA final, and their last title was the 2016 UEFA European Championship. The legacy left by José Venancio López and his successor Fede Vidal has left Spanish futsal in ruins, with the RFEF leadership’s tacit approval.
In what is expected to be his final statement before official confirmation of his departure, Fede Vidal acknowledged, “We knew Venezuela would bring high intensity, and we lacked fortune in attack. In key moments, they had the success, and we have to accept that this is sport.” He added, “We had other aspirations and want to apologize to the fans and take responsibility.” Vidal thanked the players, saying, “They worked incredibly hard throughout preparation and in all games, despite lacking luck at crucial moments.” He concluded by calling for “a deeper reflection, knowing that future players will elevate the national team again.”
Dídac Plana shared his thoughts on Instagram, noting, “From day one, we struggled, finding ourselves stuck at key moments in games. We couldn’t compete with ease and didn’t live up to expectations.” The Barça goalkeeper admitted, “It’s crushing to dream your whole life of a challenge like this, only to be overwhelmed by emotions. In elite sports, mentality is everything, and ours didn’t meet the moment. We accept the mistake and understand the disappointment.”
Fede Vidal became a trending topic on X after Spain’s defeat to Venezuela, with social media erupting in criticism. The National Team locker room didn’t escape the wave of fan and player reactions, with many pointing to Vidal as the main culprit for one of Spain’s biggest sporting failures, comparable to the basketball team’s defeat to Angola in 1992. Dídac Plana condemned the “pathetic, continuous lynching” aimed at Vidal, lamenting that in the 21st century, sports still provoke such widespread hostility.
Reflections
Captain Raúl Campos reflected, “As usual, we were punished for our lack of finishing. We also lacked conviction, knowing that one mistake would send us home.” The power forward from Mostol was self-critical, stating bluntly, “We lost. We’re to blame, and there are no excuses. We are disappointed and sad for our supporters in Spain, but it’s time to move on.” Miguel Ángel Mellado also expressed his disappointment: “We return home earlier than we wanted, crestfallen after failing to achieve our goal. It’s the end of a dream that slipped away.”
Sergio Lozano shared his own reflections on the World Cup on social media: “Our World Cup dream is over. We didn’t meet expectations and didn’t honor the jersey.” The Barça captain, absent after sustaining a calf injury in the first match against Kazakhstan, admitted, “It’s been a tough personal experience. I dreamed for many days of playing in the World Cup and helping my teammates, but it wasn’t to be, and I leave frustrated and disappointed.” However, Lozano refused to give up: “I’ve fallen again through injury, but I will rise as many times as necessary until the day I hang up my boots.”