Jesus Navas, who started the match for Spain today, scored the only goal in the match. It was a stunning shot from outside the 18 that led to his first goal on the national team. Today was another international friendly for Spain, this time against a team who we've had serious bad luck against in the past: Korea. We would crack that bad luck today, but in a rather unconvincing win.
From the start, the game was sloppy, resurrecting my fears that maybe Spain has suddenly lost their form. In all fairness, Korea was also rather erratic and sloppy in their play, and were actually rather pushy and physical. Spain had a few good looks in the first half, the first real dangerous chance coming from when a long ball was played into Mata right outside the 6 yard area. Mata went to volley the ball towards goal, but a Korean defender blocked his leg from releasing the shot, resulting in cries for a penalty from the Spaniards, but the referee waved away the protests. Korea would create their first real threat when a striker blasted a shot from outside the 18, going just wide of the left post. Spain would again get a chance when Mata would have a give-and-go on the wing. He received it once more and passed it to Fabregas who was waiting outside the 18. Fabregas let one fly towards the top right, but it would deflect off the cross bar and out. Korea's last dangerous chance, and probably the most dangerous one of the half, would come right at the 45 minute mark. The Koreans would enter the 18 and would attempt a shot, but Reina rushed out to block it. As the ball went loose, the Spanish defense would scramble for the ball, but would fail to clear it, leaving Reina off his line, and the net practically wide open. The Korean took the shot, but Reina stretched out and blocked the ball, keeping Spain and Korea level at half time.
The first half play was sloppy, and in most cases, predictable. Spain played too many long balls in to the head of Llorente, but he would never capitalize. Also, the overuse of the right flank and Jesus Navas as an option would become very predictable, as the Koreans caught on quickly, sending 2 defenders shortly after to double team him. Spain's ground play, particularly smack dab in center field of the opposing side, would be rather inaccurate, unorganized, and would lead to a few sloppy turn overs. The Koreans weren't much better, as they too had the same issues. Spain had most of the possession, but the plays became so readable and inaccurate, that nothing would even come of them. The toughest obstacle for Spain was probably the Koreans physicality, as they were pushy and put a ton of pressure, giving the players practically no room to breath.
The second half started and it was the same game, until maybe 20 or so minutes in when Del Bosque decided to bring in a few substitutes that were sitting on the bench. Spain's secondary team got the start today, so many of the starters sat the bench. However, Del Bosque brought in a few key players that changed the game for sure. The entrance of David Villa, Pedro, and Xavi all had a huge impact on the game. The plays became more effective, Spain moved up and attacked a little faster, and the accuracy improved quite a bit. Xavi had an immediate impact on the midfield, creating accurate plays plenty of times to give the offense the chance to score. He moved the ball up and controlled the midfield efforts. Villa was a breath of fresh air in the offense, as Llorente was ineffective. Villa helped spur offensive chances by pulling back and helping make plays with the midfield. He had a few chances to give Spain the edge, the best of which would have been a sure goal, as he was in the 18 with a defender on him. He took a shot that would have been the goal to put Spain ahead, only, the Korean defender put his leg in at the last minute, causing it to deflect and go out for a corner. Pedro also improved Spain's game, as his work ethic would have an influence on the offensive efforts. He put a lot of pressure of the Korean defense, and would win a few balls. Also, his speed and attacks on the left flank would create chances for Spain, none of which would be finished off, however. Eventually, as the match came to a close, it looked again like a sub-par game would end in a tie. However, Spain proved everyone wrong again, after Jesus Navas would score a golazo from outside the 18 late in the second half. The game would stay 1-0, and Spain would notch another win in their Pre-World Cup campaign.
Its hard to decide how to take Spain's lackluster form as of late. Is Spain just not showing everything they've got? Are they just taking it easy, as the World Cup is only 8 days away? Are they just having a few bad games? I'm not exactly sure. Honestly, I'd rather they get these sloppy and inaccurate games out of their system now, and show up for real in South Africa, but I still can't stop worrying. Teams like England and The Netherlands are winning their friendlies convincingly...but still, maybe that can come back to bite them. Its all fine and dandy to impress everyone before the World Cup, but what really matters is whether or not you show up in South Africa. Its great if you win all your friendlies and look threatening, but you have to save it for when it matters. Maybe Spain is just taking it easy, rather than risking injury and getting tired, all over a friendly that means nothing. Still, their form has been pretty bad, and its a little unsettling to see them play like this only 8 days before the World Cup. What happened to the old Spain that would convincingly take down any opponents in a heartbeat, playing beautiful, accurate, attacking football in the process? I'm not sure, but all I hope is that Spain regains their solid form and brings it to South Africa, and leaves this lackluster one behind.
Denise
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