Euro 2016 | Spain have their weak links exposed

European defending champions, Spain were handed a first defeat in 14 at the Euros on Tuesday by a plucky Croatia side that was shod of midfield maestro, Luka Modric. And the match highlighted some flaws from this brilliand Spanish side that have conquered all before them.

And the defeat is made starker by the fact that La Furia Roja scored the first goal as early as the third minute but they were eventually pegged back by goals from Nikola Kacilinic and Ivan Perisic – both goals scored deep into the first and second halves.

And other teams, especially the aged Azzurri would have taken special note ahead of next Monday’s round of 16.
Employ the full press
Jordi Alba and Juanfran give width to this Spain team and if any opposition can effectively ensure that they do more defending than attacking then half of the battle would have been won. And Croatia pressed the centre backs – Gerard Pique and Sergio Ramos, and almost won the ball off David de Gea. And because they are also an ageing side, some speed has been lost over the years.

Counter with great speed
Croatia’s second goal on Tuesday was all about the speed with which the ball transited from the Croatian half into David de Gea’s goal. And in the move that led to the goal, Ivan Perisic left Spain’s right back, Juanfran floundering, before the Atletico Madrid
They are not so clinical
Even though Alvaro Morata has come to the fore with three goals, Sain are still converting just 28% of the chances they create. This stat gives opponents that would be clinical with their own opportunities a window to exploit.

They haven’t changed
But all I all, the greatest challenge faced by Vicente del Bosque is that they are just Spain! They have won the Euros back-to-back and also the World Cup playing the same way and do not see the need to change yet.
Respected Spanish analyst put it succinctly, “This is partly because we are trying to do things in the same way that we’ve done them.” Touché, as they will say in France!