Spain began its Euro 2016 campaign with tonights Group C qualifier match against Macedonia in the City of Valencia (Spain). An important game as the Spanish Football National Team was under the microscope after their disastrous World Cup in Brazil, the exit of key veteran & historically irreplaceable players & a loss last week against France in a friendly. However this was official & the players were vibed up & concentrated to start well & gave a good impression of the "new look" Team. New look in some names but not a radical "revolution" as some expected.
The final result was a 5 - 1 victory for Spain over Macedonia with all the damage being done in the second half for the visitors. From a players perspective the highlights were the debut of Valencia CF young forward Alcacer, young Barça forward Munir & Iker Casillas who started as goalkeeper. At a performance level, Spain played well & got better as the match advanced.
Macedonia played their best Football the 1st half being solid in defence but taking the Spanish ball loses as opportunities to counter-attack. After some initial "sloppy" play Spain went ahead in the 15th min through a SERGIO RAMOS penalty goal. With Macedonia still recovering from that action, Spain went further ahead through PACO ALCACER who got his first full International goal in the 17th min.
Macedonia reacted well & put in its best 15 mins of Football, dominating the ball & creating many chances. One of those attacks was rewarded with a penalty that IBRAIMI converted in the 29th min. Things remained even until just before half time when BUSQUETS got Spain´s third when he shot from outside the box (deflection included) in the 47th min.
The second half was all Spain & the 50th min goal from DAVID SILVA took all the spirit 6 Football ambition out of Macedonia. Spain continued to dominate & created numerous opportunities (Cesc hit the bar, for e.g. ) that if all converted could have made the final scoreline even much greater. The fifth goal came in the 90th min when PEDRO chipped over the Macedonian keeper.
Overall a good & promising start for Spain in the EURO 2016 road, with tonight the team doing things they have been criticised for not doing, like scoring goals & shooting from outside the box. Great match from SIlva, Koke , Cesc Fabregas & Iker Casillas who made some solid saves. Young stars Paco Alcacer & Munir debuted with the former scoring & the latter shutting the "Football door for the Moroccan Team".
Spain will again be in Euro 2016 action with two matches early next month (Slovania & Luxemburg).
