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Spain measures its height against Portugal

2022-09-27T10:43:48.288Z


La Roja, afflicted by the skid with Switzerland, can only win in Braga against the powerful Portuguese team to qualify for the final phase of the League of Nations


Afflicted by the unexpected stupor against Switzerland, Spain faces the ordago in the League of Nations under suspicion.

Facing the first champion of the tournament, Portugal, Luis Enrique's team only has one option, to win in the captivating Braga (20:45, TVE) against the thriving team of Fernando Santos.

And Cristiano, Rúben Dias, João Félix, Bernardo Silva, Bruno Fernandes, Leao, Cancelo... A team packed with top soloists and that has largely shaken off the historical slab of the lack of podiums, first with the European Championship of 2016 and then with the League of Nations of 2019.

A tournament that, even in the absence of rennet, exudes surprise after surprise.

Not only has Spain skated, but also France, England and Germany.

Beyond the greater or lesser motivation of one and the other, the truth is that, as Luis Enrique maintained, with this league international friendlies have been abolished - clunkers at the wrong time, in general - and today all the matches are more competitive at There are categories, which promotes equality.

The one in Braga will be a real challenge for La Roja, who suffered a flu against Switzerland (1-2) last Saturday.

A match for Spanish oblivion, even though as the hours passed Luis Enrique was modulating his opinion as soon as the match was over.

Rewinding the video, the first half was no longer the period with the most errors in his time as coach.

“It was a wrong message, it wasn't that bad”, he slipped yesterday in Braga.

A way, perhaps, to relieve the Spanish players, so upset after the fiasco.

The Asturian coach stressed that "mistakes are part of football", so he doesn't waste a second repairing them, but rather reinforcing the player's confidence.

Missing will do to the Spanish group before what the coach from Gijón called "final".

A final in an "attractive setting" and against an opponent "with more accomplished players, with starters in the Premier and in the Spanish League."

It is not the case of Spain, where, by decision of Luis Enrique himself, ownership is not a requirement to be international.

Morata and Asensio

In La Romareda three reserves were enlisted in attack: Ferran Torres, Asensio and Sarabia.

The same as Jordi Alba and Soler, among others.

The Asturian also slipped that in his call there are seven U-21 players.

As in the case of recruits who are substitutes in their clubs, it is the will of Luis Enrique, not a forced choice.

Under his leadership, 31 players have already debuted.

The selector has a fishing ground and is guided by his eye, not by that of his colleagues from the clubs.

It is the Luis Enrique method.

No more.

As usual, the Spaniard did not anticipate his plans against the Portuguese.

Or if his forecasts are the same after the skid with the Swiss.

Not even if he considers betting on a natural striker like Morata or Borja Iglesias after skidding with Asensio in Zaragoza.

"Whoever is number nine will have the same orders, whether it's Morata or Asensio."

Everything indicates that given the need for a shot, the Atlético attacker will play from the start, as well as Rodri, the Manchester City midfielder, to give the captain, Busquets, a break.

On the other side, Fernando Santos, who already had João Félix under his command on Sunday, will not be able to count on Pepe, with discomfort.

As a setback, the Red could not train in the municipal stadium of Braga, with the grass in poor condition, especially in the areas.

Of course, a stadium as cute as it is unique, without funds, only with two stands for a capacity of 30,286 spectators.

Built in 2003 for the local European Championship in 2004, it was the work of Portuguese architect Eduardo Souto de Moura, Pritzker Prize winner in 2011.

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Source: elparis

All sports articles on 2022-09-27

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