Of the six games that Luis de la Fuente has led the red team, he has only lost one. However, the defeat in Scotland in March, in their second match, opened some debate about the suitability of the appointment after the departure of Luis Enrique. At Hampden Park, Spain played poorly and conceded two goals from McTominay. The two best visitors' chances were two headers from Joselu and Rodri. Little more. Hence the doubts.
The coach saved the critical moment by winning the Nations League in June and beating Georgia and Cyprus in September. Now it's time to take revenge on Scotland for the bad experience they suffered. By beating the current leaders of group A, Spain would get closer to the next Euro Cup and would allow them to go to Oslo on Sunday to visit Haaland with peace of mind.
Unlike March, De la Fuente does have his starting goalkeeper (Unai Simón) and can count on the Laporte-Le Normand center back pairing. “We are stronger and a better team than we were then. The benefits we gave there are now done better,” De la Fuente explained the evolution of his team.
But above all, Spain, which was left dry in Glasgow, is relying on the great form of five of its forwards. Morata, Joselu, Oyarzabal, Ferran Torres and rookie Bryan Zaragoza come into this match on a roll.
The Atlético striker, one of Spain's captains, has 10 goals between his club and the national team (including the hat-trick against Georgia). “Leadership is earned and he has a very high status in the group and in world football,” De la Fuente acknowledged. The white Joselu and the Blaugrana Ferran Torres add 6 each. For his part, Zaragoza and Oyarzabal contribute 5. The Basque returns after his severe injury. “His recovery from him is good news for Spanish football. It is a safe value,” analyzed the technician. While the Andalusian, a dribbler, is asked not to change and has numbers to make his debut due to the discomfort of Nico Williams, who did not exercise yesterday.
Perhaps the least inspired of the forwards called up is Ansu Fati (1 goal in 7 games for Brighton), called to replace Lamine Yamal. Despite being injured, the young winger traveled to Madrid. “Fundamentally and most importantly, I wanted to talk to him. He is a 16-year-old boy and I understand that there is no one better than his coach to tell him: 'Be calm, recover well and you have all our support. We want to have you with us soon,'” he revealed about the conversation they had before giving him permission to return to Barcelona.
Gunn, Scotland goalkeeper. who measures 1.97 meters, has only conceded one goal (from a penalty and from Haaland) in the five games in the qualifying phase. But Spain is on a roll.
