FIFA Confederations Cup tournament & guarantees itself a place
in the semi-finals. Next Saturday Spain plays host South Africa to
attempt to secure the first place of the Group so to meet in the
semis the 2º placed team of Group B
(photo: elmundo.es)
The Iraqi strategy was simple & logical under the circumstances,
defend with most of the team, mark man on man Spain’s play maker
Xavi Hernandez & attempt a counter-attack if possible to try their luck.
The tactic was effective during the first half as Spain with 4 changes
from the New Zealand team (in Cazorla, Mata, Pique & Marchena) kept
smashing into the Iraqi wall. Spain dominated & controlled the ball but
the spaces were effectively closed & the Iraqi defence stayed solid.
Then in the second half, in the 54th min a great play down the left
wing saw Capdevilla make a brilliant pass to give DAVID VILLA the
space for a header that was his 30th National Team goal & eventually
the teams winner (see video). Spain then went looking for the 2º goal
but Iraq stood firm & stopped the advance ending the game with an
admirable result for them.
Spain now is one match away from equalling the Brazil record of 34
straight games without defeat & have the chance of achieving it next
Saturday against South Africa. Good game for Spain that should
continue greasing the pieces of the machine for the soon to arrive
big encounters. Tweet
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