Spain is pictured in Copenhagen

Luis Enrique called it “the real competition.” It did not mean, of course, that the group stage was a drill, but that, from the second round, the moment came when the matches became a matter of life and death and, therefore, only allowed one reading. : that of survival.
This imperative causes an extreme degree of tension that has nothing to do with what is experienced in the league. And it is that the tightrope walks are completely different when they are done with a network or without a network. There is an essential and a superlative difference between them. The anguish of the Italians on Sunday against Austria is a good example. Far from the exuberance and unconcern of their previous encounters, it took Mancini’s pupils enormously to overcome the vertigo of the abyss against an inferior rival but with tougher skin than was supposed.

The real competition of the Spanish team, therefore, begins today against Croatia, which will have a large majority of fans at the Parken Stadium in Copenhagen. It is a highly anticipated match in the Hispanic trench.
And not so much because of the identity of the rival – it could have been any other of a good level – but because it will finally allow us to know the truth of La Roja, its real competitive dimension beyond speculation and bookmaker rankings.. The games against Sweden, Poland and Slovakia did not say anything that we did not know about Luis Enrique’s team. Their strengths and weaknesses were confirmed in these three meetings that had a bit of everything, as in a pharmacy. Against Croatia, runner-up in the world, many of these doubts will inevitably be resolved. Spain will be truly portrayed.

In the previous hours, the atmosphere is ideal in Luis Enrique’s group. The defeat of Slovakia has had an exhilarating effect, like opening a window in a closed room and feeling the fresh air and seeing a beautiful landscape, full of light. Not only did the much-needed goals cascade, but other good news.
The main one, the return of Busquets, a capital footballer, the key vault of Spain. But also others: the entry into the eleven of Azpilicueta providing solidity and packaging, and the good form that Sarabia showed. Although Spanish internationals always show great confidence in their possibilities, it is clear that they needed that resounding victory. And not so much to suddenly believe the kings of the mambo – the players themselves, in private conversations, have recognized the weakness of the Slovaks – but not to become depressed and believe much worse than they are.

Baja de Perisic

Speaking of psychological issues, it remains to be seen how the ‘sahovnica’ will react to Perisic’s last-minute loss to coronavirus. The fact that the interior of Inter was the only positive case has been a huge relief for Croatia, but even so the blow is hard. Rakitic absent, only Luca Modric is above Perisic in hierarchy. He is also a punctual scorer – Spain suffered it in the last Euro – and a formidable competitor. Especially when he puts on the shirt of his national team and his soul sharpens, as if he wanted to be forgiven for the fact that he left home at 16 and never played in his country. Rebic, the Milan striker, is supposed to replace him. He is a good replacement, without a doubt, but he lacks the ascendant of Perisic, especially in the big games.

There is a good chance that Luis Enrique will keep the same eleven that thrashed Slovakia. At first glance, there are only two possible changes on which one can speculate without crossing the barriers of logic and entering the realm of fantasy.
The first would be the return of Pau Torres, who lost his place to Slovakia for the benefit of Eric García. The new Barça footballer did not even have to ruffle his hair last Wednesday, so it cannot be said that he won the position. Nor can it be said that the Villarreal defender lost him with his performances against Sweden and Poland. If Eric García plays, therefore, we could say that, in the end, Luis Enrique has not been convinced by the bet on the two left-handed centrals.

The other option is Marcos Llorente, who started the Euro as an indisputable and versatile piece, stayed in the stands against Slovakia and now it is not clear where he is. The scene has been complicated for Madrid. Azpilicueta seems to have come to stay and in the center of the field and up front, Luis Enrique’s bets seem very firm. If Busquets, Koke and Pedri are indisputable, above Sarabia has earned a new opportunity. So there are only Gerard and Morata left; that is to say, major words for the Asturian coach, who is playing it today.