It’s a story of thanks. Tomorrow, the Spanish newspapers will be able to headline: “Danke”. Without the German jump against Costa Rica (4-2 victory) – despite being trailing 2-1 – La Roja would have returned home prematurely. Germany, on the contrary, does not say thank you to Spain which, by its poor performance against Japan, confirmed the elimination of the Mannschaft.
The Japanese, qualified in first place in group E, can thank (a little) the referees of the VAR, led by the Mexican Fernando Guerrero, who validated a second contentious goal (the ball seems to have left the field), after long minutes of video control.
Spain found a way to let go of a game they had completely in hand against the Japanese. Alvaro Morata opens the scoring from the 12e minute. The Spaniards control the game as usual.
But unlike their first match, where they gave the Costa Ricans no respite (7-0), Luis Enrique’s team inexplicably stopped playing and were overwhelmed, after returning from the locker room, in three minutes by the Japanese fury. The heroes of Japan are called Ritsu Doan and Ao Tanaka and to drive the knife well into the wound of the Nationalmannschaft, they evolve… in the Bundesliga, in Freiburg and in Düsseldorf.
Japan, a “fast” and “annoying” selection
Faced with a Japanese selection as dynamic as it is uninhibited, Spain almost took – violently – the door. In addition to the German boost, it is its opening with fanfare during this World Cup that saves it, thanks to a better goal difference (+6 against +1), tied on points with the Germans.
The savior of the Spaniards is called Kai Havertz. It was he who equalized in the 73e minute of the other meeting of group E. He is German and was born in Aix-la-Chapelle. City which crowned Charles V, Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire, the one who would also later become King of Spain under the name of Charles 1is. Perhaps a sign for Iberian footballers.
Japan is a selection ” fast “, “dynamic” et « maddening »with a midfielder who ” like a lot “ to Luis Enrique. ” They don’t give you time to think and execute and make the right decisionhe added, I really like their midfield. Take Kubo, also Takumi Minamino… It would be a very good test for us. I expect a complicated game. I think we will dominate the game, have possession of the ball, but it will be an open game. »
In a press conference, the Spanish coach certainly did not think he was so much in the right. He had however promised it, his proteges would not take ” no risk. » Mean by that that they would play this third meeting to win it, despite their very favorable situation in the classification.
« There is nothing to protect. We only think about winning the game. We are in the group of death. We are leaders, of course, but any of the four teams can qualify. We have no intention of risking anything.”had struck the Asturian.
Lack of Spanish involvement
If the Japanese have fully deserved their victory, we can blame Spain for their level of play and their involvement. Unlike Didier Deschamps, who had renewed nine players yesterday against Tunisia, the coach had only made five changes compared to the draw against Germany, including two players who are applying for a starting place (Alvaro Morata and Cesar Azpilicueta).
Conversely, his Japanese counterpart was heard by his troops, who applied the same strategy as during their success against Germany. Twice led 1-0, quite wait-and-see for 45 minutes, Japan overthrew the hierarchy at the cost of a second period played at a frantic pace. “We are going to play a match with a lot of pressure, but we believe in our chances, we will have to leave everything on the pitchprédisait Hajime Moriyasu, The group are ready to tackle this game to qualify for the round of 16 and ready to show a better face [après la défaite face au Costa Rica]. » On Monday, December 5, Japan will face Croatia.
Lover of comments and live discussions with the Spanish public on social networks, Luis Enrique will certainly have to justify himself in the days to come. “It shows at the World Cup, where it only attacks when the teams are already behind. I see things differently”he said on Twitch.
Words that his players were the first not to implement. Tuesday, December 6, against Morocco, which will benefit from the support of many supporters, Spain will have to show another face. And this time, she can only count on herself.