Euro: Group B: Spain vs. Croatia

[Duchene2MacKinnon]

Not much of a midfield

 

[TheMoreYouKnow]

Spain couldn't dominate the midfield like you would have seen during their heyday. Good team, but reminds me more of the Spain squads of the 90s than the Spain squads of the 00s/10s.

 

[Duchene2MacKinnon]

It’s not about the pieces most likely coaches style.

There aren’t many teams that can have the luxury of having Zubi and Merino on the bench.

 

[les Habs]

Spain doesn't scare me much after this match. Their defense looks shaky, they have pace up front but Croatia also gave them a ton of space. For a Spain team they don't have much of a midfield as well. I would pick France or England above them.

So not much of a midfield and you’d go out on a limb and pick the two tournament favorites above them. OK.

 

[TheMoreYouKnow]

So not much of a midfield and you’d go out on a limb and pick the two tournament favorites above them. OK.

I said not much of a midfield by Spain standards. That's a high bar.

 

[Juve]

A foul doesn't automatically mean a DOGSO, the D stands for denial. He could have stayed on his feet and still made an attempt, and he instead blatantly dove after feeling the brush on the shin.

Yeah.... Full blown Gilardino dive

 

[Wee Baby Seamus]

Much of Spain "not dominating the midfield" can be attributed to them not having to because they were already up 2-0. With the exception of maybe 10 minutes before Morata's goal, Spain had midfield control in the first half. They then didn't need to have it in the second.

 

[les Habs]

I said not much of a midfield by Spain standards. That's a high bar.

That’s still a very good midfield, even by Spain’s standards. It might not be peak Xavi, Iniesta and Busquets, but what is?

 

[Islesfan22]

Much of Spain "not dominating the midfield" can be attributed to them not having to because they were already up 2-0. With the exception of maybe 10 minutes before Morata's goal, Spain had midfield control in the first half. They then didn't need to have it in the second.

Croatia had more possession up until the first goal and Croatia had more possession in the first half. Spain played more long balls and looked dangerous on the counter. It might be a tactic that might suit them with their pace up front and shaky defense.

 

[Duchene2MacKinnon]

That’s still a very good midfield, even by Spain’s standards. It might not be peak Xavi, Iniesta and Busquets, but what is?

Rodri is Busi regent and Pedri is Iniesta regent. They’re as close as you’re gonna get

 

[PeteWorrell]

They are missing a Carles Puyol to be a general and steady presence on defense.

 

[Duchene2MacKinnon]

They are missing a Carles Puyol to be a general and steady presence on defense.

HIs name is Cubarsi

 

[McGarnagle]

Croatia ruined the best jerseys in international soccer

 

[PeteWorrell]

HIs name is Cubarsi

He is not in the squad so he is not a factor in this tournament.

 

[HajdukSplit]

Croatia ruined the best jerseys in international soccer

Agree but the reasoning behind it was so they can wear them more often, in the past they would wear the away kits 80% of the time. I guess its less of a clash with this style as previously against Spain they never wore the checkered kit

Somehow Croatia outperformed Spain in XG, shows what little that means, though Croatia missed some sitters, mostly when it was too late anyway. Honestly as much success he has had I hope Dalic goes after this tournament, it's never good having a NT manager stick around too long, for example US with Berhalter. He legit said today he put Perisic on to give him match fitness in a tough game