The Nations League 2022-23 is the fourth qualifying phase that Luis Enrique faces as Spain coach. And, not to break tradition, he hasn't been able to get his passport stamped before the final day. Going to the limit is fashionable even if it is not a guarantee of anything. In the 2018-19 Nations League, the first edition of the tournament, a defeat in Zagreb against Croatia left the red team out of the final four. But then came the qualification for the next Nations League with the unforgettable 6-0 win against Germany and Morata's goal against Sweden at La Cartuja that sealed the pass to Qatar. It should be remembered that the passport to Euro 2021 was signed by Spain with Robert Moreno at the helm. This Tuesday, against Portugal, again leaning over the edge, the Spanish team is forced to win to go through the round.
But beyond once again pushing Spain to the limit in a qualifying phase, Switzerland's victory at La Romareda uncovered old problems for the red team and rescued the doubts that hang over Luis Enrique's team whenever things are not going all good. A more worrying scenario than usual given the proximity of the World Cup in Qatar, the first of the coach on the bench.
The most alarming of what was seen in Zaragoza was undoubtedly the defensive weakness in the strategy plays. The set piece is a common weapon to counteract the theoretical technical inferiority against Spain. They are actions that in life or death tournaments like a World Cup can mark everything and what was seen in La Romareda is to start trembling. Switzerland did not need to connect three passes in a row, or sign several dream dribbles to beat the red. Two corner kicks were enough for him in which Unai Simón's doubts over the top were transferred to all of his teammates and condemned his team. Much to improve in this aspect to aspire to everything in the Qatari desert.
Nor was it gratifying for the red team to see that a midfield as oiled as the one formed by Busquets, Gavi and Pedri was unable to give the game some joy as usually happens at Barça. Contrary to what happens in defensive teams like Switzerland itself, the engine room is the key in Luis Enrique's team and its null incidence in the duel is a clear cause for concern for the Asturian coach.
Also in the bottom line there was a huge room for improvement. Playing without a pure nine, with Marco Asensio as a striker, did not work out. Nor did the usual Ferran Torres and Sarabia provide imbalance. Nobody escapes that the casting of the forward is more open than ever.
