The Spanish starting 11 had new faces as the photo shows above:
David de Gea, Sergio Ramos, San José, Busquets, Raul Garcia, Diego Costa, Azpilicueta, Cazorla, Carvajal, Cesc Fabregas & Koke.
However, some important names were missing due to injury that will be fixed starting players when they return to form like Andres Iniesta, Thiago, Pique & Javi Martinez. Notable was the absence of Iker Casillas, but as 2º Coach Toni Grande said, this Friendly Match was the opportunity to give De Gea playing time.
Overall tonight, the Spanish performance was not at all too bad although the "new pieces" need more time to find themselves as a "side". The team still has the "touch Football" spirit but carries on from Brazil one of its biggest problems: THE LACK OF GOAL OPPORTUNITIES.
One wonders if Diego Costa is the answer as his style if more situated to the long-ball. Tonight Costa was again ineffective. Perhaps bringing back wingers & a powerful Centre Forward, type Fernando Llorente, may help. Although bad tongues suggest Selector Del Bosque may have a "problem" with Llorente.
The fact is Spain needs goal, the ability to break up solid defences, like France tonight & shot more at goal.
The absence of key retired players like Xavi Hernandez, Xabi Alonso & even David Villa was noted. But Spain was much better tonight than shown in the last World Cup in Brazil against a solid & very experimented France, which was an excellent sparring partner.
Spain played well the first 45 minutes, with an exceptional Carvajal who was tops all night & a good Fabregas. In the second half Spain made some chances & France lifted to strain Spain defensively. Karim Benzima had a goal disallowed for off-side which may have been legal, but the winner by REMY in the 73rd min from a Valbuena pass was a ripper & not questioned. Spain reacted well after & in the last 10 mins with Silva, Pedro & Isco on created dangerous opportunities & were unlucky to not equalize.
Special mention to French players Varane & Shako who were excellent, along with the powerful Pogba who was outstanding, plus Benzema who although he did not score (at least legally) was always active & constructive.
Spain will now have to analyse things & find solutions to their "goal problem". They fly back to Spain to play Macedonia in their EURO 2016 Group Qualifier where here things are definitely serious.
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