Spain has finally achieved its goal: leading Group C on the road to the EURO 2016 to take place next Summer in France. Relying on its trusty and efficient style, Vicente del Bosque’s side worked on touch football, quick transitions and a solid response to the possible threatening Slovakian counterattacks. As Del Bosque had already mentioned, his team “made up of players that form a whole, without one outstanding name”, Spain displayed a game-style many had grown accustomed to. The squad returned to the 1-4-1-3-2, with two strikers, both from the Premier League: Pedro and Diego Costa. The Chelsea winger played the full 90 minutes.
Overall a complete match, the game kicked off with Spanish dominion, ball control and possession. Slovakia closed up behind, blocking the speedy Spain players. With multiple chances from David Silva, Pedro, Iniesta and later on, Cazorla. With practically the whole team defending the goal, Mak was left with the responsibility of making the most of any loose cannons and lead the way to Casillas’ goal. They had one clear chance in the first half, that skimmed Casillas’ post with local fans holding their breath, dreading the worst.
Soon enough the fans could breath easy again with the Spanish side displaying the beautiful football that has led them to conquering the triple crown and has earned them a reputation as one of the best national sides in the world. Moments later the opening goal would have a devastating effect on the rival team. Jordi Alba, after a quality assist from David Silva, scored the opener, bringing the confident needed to face the match with an upper hand.
Comfortable, playing at home, delivering their game, it’s hard to underline key players in such a fulfilling game: Pedro, Iniesta, Silva, Busquets, Juanfran even defenders Jordi Alba and Piqué showed their skills in a match that had a significant Spanish seal with ball possession roaming the 75% mark. Half an hour into the match, our Spanish-Brazilian player, Diego Costa, would be fouled on inside a box. This would be Iniesta’s chance to score the penalty, distancing Del Bosque’s side from their rival and placing them in that top spot in the qualifier stage.
This same pair would bring the fans to their feet with Diego Costa’s attempt of a bicycle kick that David Silva would shoot out, nearing the 3-0 distance without luck. Keeping hold of the match, closing up on their rivals and slowing the pace of the game with steady, low passes Spanish players are known for- Del Bosque’s team has achieved it’s wish of getting to the top and will face Macedonia on Tuesday in their second qualifier match this month.
- Match stats:
Spain: Casillas; Juanfran, Piqué, Sergio Ramos, Jordi Alba; Busquets, Cesc (Cazorla, m.67), Iniesta (Koke , m.85); Pedro, Silva y Diego Costa (Alcácer, m.75).
Slovakia: Kozacik; Pekarik, Salata, Hubocan, Tesák; Gregus, Gyömbér, Hrosovský (Sabo, m.73), Svento; Hamsík (Duda, m.61) y Mak (Duris, m.46).
Goals: 1-0, m.5: Jordi Alba. 2-0, m.30: Iniesta de penalti.
Bookings: Kozacik (30), Tesák (83).
- Match report by sefutbol.com
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