After Spain manipulated, seduced and brilliantly carved out the Austrian press on Thursday night time, it was arduous to focus an excessive amount of on the truth that Unai Simon set an all-time World Cup file on the identical night time. His 520 minutes with out conceding a purpose was the file for a goalkeeper within the competitors over the previous 96 years, surpassing Italy’s Walter Zenga by simply two minutes, and was the headline statistic after Spain ended an unimaginable 16-year knockout victory wait on the World Cup because the 2010 last, becoming a member of Italy and Switzerland as the one groups to maintain a clear sheet in 5 matches.
The explanation it was so arduous to concentrate to Simon’s file is as a result of he mainly did nothing to attain it. La Roja has had six photographs on course of their final 4 video games, however none of them have been significantly taxing. One of many solely groups but to concede in opposition to Mexico, it was essential when Sasa Kalajdzic’s flying header went over the bar within the opening minutes of the second half. It was the one probability Spain conceded from open play up to now.
Unsurprisingly, a lot consideration has been targeted on Spain’s battle to search out the rhythm, tempo and ingenuity which were the group’s hallmarks since Nico Williams and Lamine Yamal made the group their very own at Euro 2024. Maybe this can be a results of them utilizing the ball a little bit extra conservatively, understanding that the sport in open areas just isn’t as favorable for La Roja as earlier than, however there is no such thing as a getting away from the truth that that is the very best protection Luis de la Fuente’s group has had since taking on.
For his or her opponents, the sense of vulnerability that it was extra essential to silence Spain disappeared, because the purpose was so shut at hand. Based on Opta, the one space of the pitch the place the opposing group will get greater than 55% of their touches is inside their very own field. Rodri ranks ninth regardless of averaging over 68% possession.th Aymeric Laporte is tied for fourth in tackles (13), interceptions (9) and fifth in profitable aerial duels (14). No group begins urgent as excessive on common as Spain, who lead the match with the very best turnovers (43). Solely Germany (7.6) cross extra passes per defensive motion than Spain (8.1), however Germany conceded 3.25 anticipated objectives in 4 video games, whereas Simon needed to stroll round and decide up simply 0.4 objectives.
The tough criticism of Rodri Hernández previously has been justified in that his previous utilization of the ball has been heavy. Pedri Gonzalez additionally appeared a bit monotonous moderately than relentless, but when there’s one factor that is working, it is their urgent. The sight of Pau Kvarsi and Laporte operating again to gather the ball in entrance of an indignant and exhausted striker has change into a traditional. What was theoretically the weakest hyperlink of their chain has up to now change into essentially the most dependable. Of their first sport in opposition to Austria, La Roja appeared like they’d regained possession of the ball, however the critical angle and security behind the attacking gamers gave them time to take action.
“It’s totally tough to play in opposition to Spain. They did not make a single mistake,” Austria coach Ralf Rangnick mentioned after the match. “They’re excellent like clockwork. Tactically it’s inconceivable to counter them.” All that is mentioned with out mentioning Marc Cucurella, who stood out extra for his predatory forwards than for his defensive work. For context, Zenga completed behind the 1990 Italian defenders of Alessandro Costacurta, Franco Baresi and Paolo Maldini, however they weren’t very attacking.
Unsurprisingly, the reader shouts again that Spain has but to play a group that will strike concern into the ultimate line of World Cup contenders. The following menu is Portuguese. Even when Kvarsi and the others faucet the facet of their mouths after struggling additional assaults, few will deny that Spain’s technical gamers are protected by the very best defenders within the competitors.
