BarcelonaSpain will arrive at the World Cup after lifting a weight. Two months after their debut in Qatar, Luis Enrique’s team qualified for the final stage of the Nations League, after beating Portugal on the last day of their group thanks to a Morata goal in the last minutes The Spanish team needed a win to qualify for a final stage that they will play in the summer of 2023 along with the Netherlands, Croatia and Italy. Spain, thanks to the light of the young Nico Williams in the second half, avoided defeat, but in spite of everything they will arrive at the World Cup with a lot of homework to do, on all lines. In defense, there are still many doubts and no clear headlines. And in attack, despite the quality of the players in the individual field, it still needs a lot of work to kick on goal. In fact, the Portuguese came closest to scoring in a game in which Spain always felt uncomfortable. A duel, by the way, where no Blaugrana player was injured. It’s news lately.
After losing to the Swiss at home just a few days ago, beaten in which Luis Enrique’s team broke some ribs and were besieged by the results of their rivals, Spain just needed to win. The Asturian coach, however, surprised with an alternative team with only one Blaugrana starter, Ferran Torres. A team with five Valencians and five from Madrid. And a Basque, Unai Simón, saving the furniture with his saves on Cristiano Ronaldo and Bruno Fernandes. The Portuguese, who were content with a draw, bit back with counters in which they exposed a defense never seen before, with Pau Torres and Hugo Guillamón in central positions. The midfield, without Busquets, Pedri and Gavi, was unable to generate danger, leaving Morata completely alone in attack, far from Sarabia and a Ferran who continues to not find his best playing time. Neither Carlos Soler nor Koke knew how to keep the rhythm of the game, a decision that surely celebrated a Xavi type of seeing Barça players getting injured with the selections.
Nico Williams revolutionizes the game
Luis Enrique was forced to return to the midfield that usually works in the second half, betting on the three starters for Barça. With Busquets, Pedri and Gavi, Spain finally had more dominance, but Fernando Santos’ team has specialized in defending. And he locked and bolted his goal, thwarting the attacks of a selection that managed to take the step forward when young Nico Williams came on. The Athletic Club winger revolutionized the Spanish attack and brought down an increasingly tired defence. Just days after his brother, Iñaki, made his debut with the Ghanaian national team, Nico earned his place at the World Cup by providing the assist for Morata’s goal three minutes from the end by catching a ball at the far post that Morata turned into the goal that gives Luis Enrique some air before traveling to Qatar. And all on a day in which Raphinha scored again in a new display by the Brazilian team, capable of thrashing the Tunisians 5-1. Both Brazil and Argentina come out strengthened from a stoppage of selections in which no European team with options to be champion has been excited. And where Barça has lost a lot of players due to injury. Fortunately, on this last day none of the players of the Catalan teams who participated in the matches were injured.
