HThere are victories that leave a special mark. On September 8th of last year, the team achieved one of them with the 1-7 in Tbilisia result in the midst of a storm that threatened to have devastating consequences. A year later, the team returns from Switzerland with another of those victories of extra value. Not because of the fact that they won 1-4 away from home against a powerful team that had not been thrashed like that at home since 2008: 0-4 against Germany in a friendly. In an official match, we have to go back to 1957: 1-4, Spain in Lausanne. These are the two worst official defeats for the Swiss at home.
No, the victory in The Praille It is a blow of authority and self-esteem for the group. Because it was achieved by playing with one less player for more than an hour, something that has not happened to Spain since 1998: 1-0 Russia in Granada after Sergi was shown a red card in the 27th minute. And because in Swiss Spain won thanks to the extreme importance of players from its second unit. The “this is a team with capital letters” that De la Fuente launched after the match is loaded with arguments.
David Raya
One of the big questions of this window was how the Arsenal goalkeeper would respond to real matches in the face of the long-term absence of Unai Simon. Until now, his appearances had been in friendly matches or official matches. camouflageHis response has been authoritative. Not a single complaint in Belgrade or Geneva. Against Switzerland he left an extraordinary save for a shot by Vargas, the best Swiss player. His footwork is a sure thing, especially on a pitch that threatened to play tricks. The Catalan showed that Spain can be calm with him between the sticks.
Vivian
He had to come in after Le Normand was sent off and balance the team, for which he had to sacrifice Pedri. He proved once again that he is a safe bet. He grew with the passing of the minutes in an intense battle with a player who never gives up, like Embolo. The central defender Athletic has earned the trust of From the Source with the passing of the matches since his debut at Wembley against Colombia. He did it every time he appeared at the Euro and he kept that message alive GenevaA defender who takes no prisoners, a lifelong defender.
Grimaldo
He was going to be the starter at the Euro, but Cucurella took on the world in Germany. In Geneva he offered a solid match, making it clear that he can play as a classic full-back, which is what he wants. From the Source l. The cheerful player who appears everywhere in the Bayer Leverkusen It was in The Praille a disciplined defender, and on whose flank Switzerland understood that there was not much to do. In addition, he is a danger from dead balls.
Zubimendi
He came with his military service done from his great second half in the Euro final. Geneva He came on with more than half an hour to go, at a time when Switzerland was pushing hard to corner Spain in search of a 2-2. The entrance of the Real midfielder meant that the team felt more secure in their way of defending. The Swiss pressure moved away from the area and Zubimendin understood that Switzerland would not find space inside, an area where they had done a lot of damage.
Joselu
“His best game for us,” said De la Fuente after the match. The number 9, in addition to the goal, and six in 562 minutes, offered a lesson in striker’s movements. Those who thought that this could be his last call-up after leaving for Qatar had the answer in the game that took place in Geneva and De la Fuente’s words afterwards: “It doesn’t matter where they play if their commitment and work is like what Joselu offers. He works hard, trains well and has a great attitude. He’s the kind of player who never fails.” Keep counting on him, he’s earned it.
Ferran
Goals are his world in the national team. He has the same average as Joselu with From the Source: six in 560 minutes, one every 93 minutes, to which he added 15 more before the Riojan. In Geneva he came on at half-time for Lamine Yamal. He had to work to help Carvajal on a wing where Switzerland was causing havoc with Vargas. He did it. And he was decisive in the outcome with the assist to Fabin Ruiz for the 1-3 and in the one-on-one with which he closed the score. An example of how to gain the coach’s trust after not being on his first lists and having the ability to be important without hardly any matches as a starter (five).
Aleix Garcia
He could have thrown in the towel after being one of the Euros’ discards, but nothing of the sort. The now midfielder of Bayer Leverkusen He came on with the score at 1-4, to give the final break. Everything was already in his favour, but he made two or three moves that showed the class he has and the football he has inside. He lives in an area where competition is extreme, but nobody should assume that he is only a resource when things are in need.
Yeremy Pino
One of the best news of this window. He had not played for Spain since September 11th last year. As soon as he returned from the serious knee injury he suffered days before Gavi’s, De la Fuente has counted on the Canary Islander. He is one of his favorite players. He came on with half an hour to go to replace a Nico Williams who had become exhausted from making so many runs. Yeremy He is a top-level option for Spain to be the team of fast and attacking wingers that it has become thanks to Nico and Lamine Yamal. The coach insisted on this aspect, that without them both the game can still be played.
