Spain’s biggest weakness is now a weapon
By Aman Sridhar
Spain have plenty of positives to take from the Portugal game, the biggest of which is Diego Costa’s performance.
There were a number of key takeaways from Spain’s opening match against Portgual, however, the most important one from a Spanish perspective is the fact that Diego Costa has finally come good.
Costa has been a polarizing figure wherever he has gone, nowhere more so than in Spain. Purists call him the anti-Spain; a big, powerful, brute, contrasted with the diminutive, creative magicians the world has gotten used to.
Prior to his dismissal, Julen Lopetegui defended Diego Costa’s inclusion in the side. The fact he has looked at alternatives up front is indicative of how this Spanish team have moved forward.
Diego Costa’s inclusion in the squad might be perplexing to some, but Spain have sorely needed a wildcard over the past few years. Costa represents just that.
His brutish, wrecking ball style is a nightmare for defenders to deal with. Teams that set up to defend against Spain’s relentless passing and pressing now also have to deal with long balls up to Costa. Pepe learned the hard way what can happen when Costa runs at you.
This is a Spanish side that played some phenomenal soccer in the opening fixture against Portugal. But they’re more than that now, retaining the best parts of the tiki-taka era, while adding a dimension of practicality and steel to their play. Diego Costa, Koke, Iago Aspas, Nacho and Rodrigo Moreno represent this new wave of street smart players that have graced the Spanish squad.
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Isco is obviously the main man for Spain, having made the number 10 role his own recently. However, with David Silva and Iniesta roaming freely behind him, and Koke and Busquets tucked in front of the defence, this Spanish side have found the perfect balance between creativity and stability.
Richard Martin of the Telegraph highlighted the passion instilled back into the side by Julen Lopetegui.
"“Above all, the coach has restored the excitement and joy which characterised the teams that won the nation’s first World Cup in South Africa in 2010 and reigned supreme at Euro 2008 and Euro 2012.This can be seen on the pitch in the speed at which they recover the ball and their desire to keep searching for goals even when games have already been won. It can also be seen in the ease in which they players get on with each other, the constant joking and smiling that peppered their media day at their national headquarters last week before departing for Russia and setting up camp at their base in Krasnodar.”"
Fernando Hierro also deserves praise. He has stepped into the role as head coach with confidence and grace. He has been decisive and aggressive, both of which qualities have translated onto the field.
From a footballing sense, this is no longer a Spain side that pass the ball for the sake of it. This side now penetrate and pierce, using short, quick passes and direct brutish power. David Silva’s role as the number 8 is very similar to his one at Manchester City. He’s the master of the pre-assist and keeping tabs of him through the game is an almost impossible job.
Iran, who Spain play next, will set themselves up to defend as hard as they can. Carlos Queiroz’s men have spirit and fight about them, but they’ll be pushed to the limit by this Spanish team. Iran’s victory against Morocco will have given them confidence, but they’re up against a Spanish side that need a win.
Iran will camp out in their own box and look to a set-piece for a goal. But with Diego Costa keeping center-backs busy, they first need to defend with their lives. The players behind Costa — Andres Iniesta, Silva and Isco — will relish the space given to them.
Spain have never had such a plethora of attacking options before.
Having Rodrigo and Iago Aspas on the bench is huge. Should the game turn out to be a stalemate, throwing either of them on can prove useful. Both are pacey and skillful, and will pose major questions to a tiring Iranian defense. Aspas has already proved to be a wonderful substitute when needed.
This is only the second week of fixtures, but Costa’s arrival into the national side has given Spain a much needed edge that could prove fruitful.