Spain has the same problem that seems to have no solution from Coach Vicente Del Bosque, the inability to score goals. Plus the "Diego Costa option" is not working at all, a paradox as the player is scoring goals on a weekly basis with his Club Chelsea FC.
Spain started with the following 11 players:
Casillas; Juanfran, Albiol, Piqué, Jordi Alba; Busquets, Koke; Cesc, Silva, Iniesta; & Diego Costa.
As you can see all top class names on paper, but the opposition teams seem to have worked out the antidote to halt Spain by simply defending in block & frustrating the Spaniards until they make mistakes.
After Spanish keeper Iker Casillas made a brilliant one hand save early in the match, he was later confused by a swirling free-kick drive that found the net in the 17th min by Kucka. Could Casillas have done better? Maybe or maybe not, what is assured is that the local debate about his form & team place is back.
From here it was virtually a Spanish whitewash with total dominance, but Slovakia kept to their game plan with their goalkeeper Kozacik making numerous brilliant interventions to keep the Spaniards out.
As the frustration increased, Spanish Coach Del Bosque risked by taking off defender Abiol for a forward in Paco Alcacer. The move finally paid off when Jordi Alba found Alcacer in the 82nd min who scored the equalizer. However, with Spain somewhat relaxed & the defence with a three man line, Slovakia exploited the space & countered with Stoch scoring the winner in the 87th min.
Hard knock for the reigning European Champions which are unfortunately tasting too often the bitterness of defeat in the last months. Obviously something is not right, however the solutions are not appearing to fix things.
For Slovakia, a grand night as they set sail for the Euro 2016 Group qualification after a great game for them, with clear ideas of play & the Football they had exhibit with total faith.
Spain next plays Luxembourg, must win, of course.
No comments:
Post a Comment