The report says Simón has gone 519 minutes without conceding across his past two World Cups, moving beyond Walter Zenga’s 517-minute mark for Italy in 1990. It also credits him with a fourth consecutive clean sheet at this tournament.
Those figures underline Spain’s defensive control, but they also show how limited Simón’s workload has been. Austria reportedly managed five shots, none on target, while Simón has made only four saves across Spain’s four matches.
That is not a criticism. Goalkeeping for a dominant international side is often about positioning, distribution and concentration rather than repeated spectacular stops. Simón has supplied those qualities while Spain have controlled possession and territory.
Raya’s club reputation gives Spain a genuine alternative. The report notes his recent run of Premier League Golden Glove awards and his role in Arsenal’s domestic and European success. García, meanwhile, is regarded as one of the leading young goalkeepers after establishing himself at Barcelona.
Yet De la Fuente has resisted rotation. The decision is supported by results: the report says Spain have lost only once in 37 competitive matches since the manager and Simón were reunited with the senior side. That continuity has delivered the 2023 Nations League and Euro 2024.
Simón’s value, therefore, extends beyond the saves he makes. He represents a settled defensive structure in a team where certainty has become a competitive advantage.
The next knockout test will show whether the record survives greater pressure. If Spain’s opponents begin forcing Simón into serious action, his clean-sheet run - and De la Fuente’s loyalty - will face their clearest examination yet.