When their team reaches penalties, the Spaniards know that they have not translated their control of the field into goals and above all fear that they will not stand the test of composure, precision and character.
This is exactly what happened in the World Cup in Mexico 1986, Korea 2002, Russia 2018 and now in Qatar.
This is the first disappointment of the new generation that wears the "La Rocha" uniform.
The Spaniards were eliminated on penalties not only because of the excellent goalkeeper Bono, but because even before they got close to the penalty spot they lost psychologically.
The Moroccans acted as if no disaster would happen they would go home while the Spanish saw in Bono's face the headlines with the word communication failure in capital letters.
But the problem is not only missing the first three penalties, but not scoring even one goal after almost complete possession of the ball and more than 1000 passes against a team that, with all the appreciation it deserves, is limited and played with the familiar plan of strong defense and bursts, when the penalties are really Not a punishment for her.
You can do a lot of analysis but Spain is leaving Qatar mainly because they played badly, they still don't have any top player who makes the difference and their leader is not on the grass but on the bench.
Padre.
You can build on it, photo: AFP
And if we talk about the coach, then there is no doubt that the future of Spain depends on Luis Enrique's decision.
In the coming days it is expected to announce if he does not renew the contract as he intended before the World Cup, or if he continues despite everything.
And despite everything, this is the criticism he received today.
As expected, many of the critics complain about the summoning of some players who do not play for their team and the non-calling of those who do succeed with talent such as Sergio Canales and Yago Espas, the almost daily use of Twitter, which brought the fans closer to him online but further alienated journalists, especially those from Madrid.
Beyond the legitimate discussion about the coach, there is something deeper because the team has not reached the quarterfinals since the 2010 World Cup, which crowned them for the first time as world champions.
Since then she has managed to win three matches against "powerhouses" such as Australia, Iran and Costa Rica.
If in 2014 and 2018 there was half an excuse about the end of the golden generation, now it is about the beginning of the new generation of Pedri and Gabi.
Luis Enrique.
His decision will affect the future of the entire team, photo: REUTERS
This is perhaps the only positive point of a team that won only one in four games.
In the dark, every light is welcome and don't get confused - Spanish football has many lights.
You just have to continue with the typical style but know that kicking the goal is not a sin but a commandment in a religion where passing is sacred.
To return to being a world champion, Spain needs to be not only the champion of unwavering dedication.
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