DOHA, Dec. 5 (Xinhua) — Spain faces Morocco within the final 16 of the World Cup on Tuesday with a couple of inquiries to be requested of Luis Enrique’s aspect.
Spain was imperious in beating Costa Rica 7-0 of their opening match of the event, earlier than being held to a 1-1 draw by Germany after which seeing how Japan surprised them with a 2-1 defeat of their final group match.
That defeat got here after a primary half by which Spain took the lead and restricted their rivals to only 14 % of possession throughout the match. Indeed, the Japanese had simply 17 % of the ball in the whole recreation, however had been in a position to disrupt the Spanish rhythm after the break in a 20-minute spell by which they ran them ragged.
For a quick three minutes, the Spanish even had one foot out of the event as Costa Rica briefly led Germany 2-1, with Spain coach Enrique admitting he “would have had a heart attack if he’d known.”
Germany’s 4-2 win towards Costa Rica ultimately saved Spain and the hope for the Spanish should now be that the shock to the system has ended any over-confidence forward of Monday.
It’s exhausting to see the coach making any modifications to his Barcelona trio of Pedri, Gavi and Sergio Busquets in midfield, however Aymeric Laporte and Jordi Alba will probably be again so as to add metal and expertise to the protection, whereas Ferran Torres will in all probability change Nico Williams in assault.
The Spanish will keep true to their passing type, though Enrique will probably be well-advised to inform goalkeeper, Unai Simon that not each ball from the again needs to be a brief move, after some latest scares.
Morocco certified after profitable Group F and may have taken be aware of how Japan was in a position to disrupt Spain. The Moroccans have a robust aspect, led by Youssey En-Nesyri, who plies his commerce in LaLiga with Sevilla (together with goalkeeper Bono) and Chelsea’s Hakin Ziyech, who ought to present inspiration out vast if wanted.
Right again Achraf Hakimi is one other with Spanish connections after being fashioned within the Real Madrid youth system, whereas Sofyan Amrabat is a fixture for Italian aspect Fiorentina.
Spain will probably be favorites to start out, however the confidence surrounding their World Cup hopes was dented by the Japanese, which could be a wake-up name for the Spanish or a dose of actuality.