It is not a question of wanting to go against the current, nor wanting to be smarter than those already bathing in the fountain of euphoria, but the victory against Croatia must be measured in its proper measure. It is true that it almost qualified the National Team for the round of 16, because the best third parties get into it, but nothing more. As I wrote in Relevo after that 7-0 defeat to Costa Rica in the first game of the World Cup in Qatar, a good afternoon does not guarantee that you will see the star hanging on your shirt ahead of time. These short competitions sometimes become very long. I perfectly remember the title of my article from that time: “Seven reasons not to believe yourself world champions.” We weren’t. We don’t even get close.
Nor can we consider ourselves more favorites, nor taller or more handsome than a few days ago for having easily beaten Modric and his little brothers. Spain was better, superior, but it was not the best Spain in recent times either. His goals were not the result of play, nor of dominating the game from top to bottom, nor of annihilating the opponent. In fact, the National Team had less possession than the rival (47 to 53 percent); he gave fewer passes (457 by 518); He made fewer shots (11 to 16), although there were five of each on goal. What’s more, as Mr. Chip pointed out, it was the first game in 111 in which the Red did not surpass the rival in ball possession. A fact that confirms the old theory that having leather for the sake of having it is worthless and that what is really important is the use you give it and where you use it.
The three goals against the Harlequinados were the result of efficiency, of inspiration. Just when the team was most committed, they had lost the ball and the Croatians began to impose that tired style that envelops and cajoles you. Obviously, all goals are well received. The legitimate ones, the illegitimate ones, the elaborate ones, the first touch ones… All of them. And Luis de la Fuente’s National Team made three and received none. This is also good news. Especially when the defensive balance was doubted due to the chances conceded in some of the last games.
Without Laporte and Grimaldo, and with Nacho and Cucurella in their respective positions, the National Team was firm in the defensive aspect. Of course, the defensive solidarity of the midfielders who closed the spaces well and gave the corresponding hand when they did not have the ball also had to do with the matter. Perfect Nacho as a left-footed center back. Serene in a couple of committed actions and pulling the line forward to reduce spaces.The decision that Cucurella was a starter instead of Grimaldo It contained a risk that the coach bravely faced.
The Bayer Leverkusen player had earned so much praise for the season he had had, that he seemed to be ahead in the fight for the left-back. In fact, his opponent had entered the final list due to Gayà’s injury. Chelsea’s irregular season, totally opposite to that of Xabi Alonso’s team, was also taken into account to be behind in the betting. Possibly, Cuckoo He played because he adapts better to playing in a line of four, he manages better when it comes to defending and he may be a little faster to correct positions in small spaces. He demonstrated this in several moments of the match. Thanks to his reaction speed he saved a goal under the crossbar and took out another couple of dangerous balls. Remarkably high performance.
Nacho and Cucurella did so well that now it will be difficult for De la Fuente to remove them from the starting eleven. It is evident that for the coach, Laporte is very much Aymeric, but these annoyances could end up making him play a bad game. Of the rest, the captain of Real Madrid has a lot to say because he is in a sweet moment. Sure. In the case of left back, Cucurella’s ownership does not bury Grimaldo, but he can postpone him to being substitutes. His crosses and free kicks will surely be necessary in the remaining games. What was said. These short competitions sometimes become very long.
