Spain showcased their football prowess with a commanding 3-0 victory over Serbia in the UEFA Nations League, securing their place in the quarter-finals. Goals from Aymeric Laporte, Álvaro Morata, and Álex Baena highlighted a dominant performance at the Nuevo Arcángel in Córdoba, ensuring Spain’s progression with two matches to spare.
Key Takeaways
- Early Lead: Aymeric Laporte opened the scoring just five minutes into the match.
- Morata’s Redemption: Álvaro Morata scored after missing a penalty earlier in the game.
- Baena’s Contribution: Álex Baena sealed the victory with a stunning free-kick.
- Defensive Struggles for Serbia: Serbia struggled to contain Spain’s attacking threats, culminating in a red card for Strahinja Pavlovic.
Match Overview
The match began with Spain asserting their dominance early on. Laporte’s header from a Pedro Porro cross set the tone for the evening, giving Spain a 1-0 lead within the first five minutes. Despite a rainy night in Córdoba, the home side maintained control, creating numerous chances throughout the first half.
Morata, who had a frustrating start, missed a penalty in the 54th minute but quickly redeemed himself by scoring Spain’s second goal just 11 minutes later. His determination was evident as he celebrated with the fans, expressing gratitude for their support.
Baena capped off the night with a brilliant free-kick in the 77th minute, further solidifying Spain’s victory and their place in the knockout stages of the tournament.
Tactical Analysis
Spain’s tactical setup under coach Luis de la Fuente was evident in their fluid attacking play. The team effectively utilized width, with players like Marc Cucurella and Pedro Porro providing crucial support from the flanks. Mikel Merino’s performance in midfield was also noteworthy, as he consistently linked play and created opportunities.
Serbia, on the other hand, struggled to adapt to Spain’s pace and intensity. Their defensive line was frequently exposed, leading to the red card for Pavlovic, which further hampered their chances of mounting a comeback.
Looking Ahead
With this victory, Spain leads Group A4 with 10 points, three ahead of Denmark, who drew with Switzerland. The focus now shifts to their upcoming matches, where Spain aims to secure the top spot in the group. Morata’s resurgence and the team’s overall form will be crucial as they prepare for the next phase of the tournament.
Spain’s unbeaten streak now extends to 14 matches, a testament to their consistency and quality on the international stage. As they look to defend their Nations League title, the team will be eager to build on this momentum in the coming months.
Sources
- España 3 – 0 Serbia, fútbol Nations League en directo | La Selección vence y se mete en los cuartos de final, El Español.
España goleó a Serbia y aseguró su lugar en los Cuartos de la Nations League , RÉCORD.- Spain thumps Serbia to reach Nations League knockouts for 3rd time | theScore.com, theScore.com.
- Spain thump Serbia to reach Nations League quarter-finals, RFI.
- Nikola Cumic | Serbia | UEFA Nations League | UEFA.com, UEFA.com.
