The Spanish national team won the group in the League of Nations. The European champion did not let anything go wrong in Denmark for a long time, but finally he had to shake again.
Celebrate Spain in Copenhagen: Ayoze (left) excelled as a goal scorer and assist provider.
Global IMAGO/Newscom
Although coach Luis da le Fuente’s Spaniards had already secured their place in the quarter-finals before the match in Copenhagen, the Danes were hoping to catch up with the European champions on points with a win in a straight draw. It was also a perfect start to the term of Brian Riemer, who celebrated his first time as the Danish Dynamite national coach.
Nations League, 5th game – Friday
After La Furia Roja ended the last international break with a confident 3-0 win against Serbia, they revealed some insecurities on the pitch, at least in the opening minutes. The Spaniards then took control, but Ayoze failed from close range (10th) and from the crossbar (12th).
Captain Oyarzabal will open
The lead finally came in the 15th minute when captain Oyarzabal scored smartly after some good combination play between Merino and Ayoze. The latter should have remained an asset in the extra course of the first half, as he was also involved in the visitors’ next significant chance (28th).
As Zubimendi bravely and decisively blocked a shot from Grönbaek in his own penalty area in the 39th minute, the European champions were still 1-0 at the break. Considering the proportions of the game, this interim result was certainly fine.
Second scoring point for Ayoze
Even after the restart, La Furia Roja kept the lead, although the first phase of the second period looked like a fumble. In the 58th minute, however, two passes from the halfway line were enough to undermine the Danish defence. The beneficiary in this case was Ayoze, who capped off his strong performance with a precise left-footed shot into the net.
The home crowd in Copenhagen were still unable to marvel at any strong offensive actions from their team; instead, it was the Spaniards who were repeatedly dangerous, especially in the person of Ayoze.
Denmark connects – and scratches the equalizer
In the final phase, the home team raised their game again, with substitute Isaksen in particular giving new impetus to the left side. When the Lazio Rome attacker failed to hit the inside post in the 78th minute, he did better just six minutes later – with a generous assist from the visitors. After Fabian’s risky back pass, Raya was not consistent enough against the pressed Dane and, under pressure, inadvertently directed the ball to the top of his foot and thus paved the way for the connection.
Riemer’s debut as a national coach did not end perfectly, but another joker, Skov Olsen, failed seconds before the end due to the careful Spanish goalkeeper this time (90.+4).
While La Furia Roja can look forward to the upcoming home game against Switzerland as group winners, Denmark’s Dynamite, who are currently in second place, are looking to secure a place in the quarter-finals on the final day of group play. The Danes will play in direct drills in Serbia (both Mondays, 8.45 pm).
How can Spain improve their early game performance in future knockout competitions?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Football Expert
Time.news Editor (TNE): Good day, everyone! Today, we have a special guest with us, esteemed football analyst Ivan Martinez, who will help us break down Spain’s recent performance in the UEFA Nations League match against Denmark. Ivan, welcome!
Ivan Martinez (IM): Thank you for having me! It’s great to be here to discuss such an exciting match.
TNE: Let’s dive right in. Spain secured their spot in the quarter-finals prior to the game, but they still faced a competitive Danish side. What stood out to you about Spain’s approach to this match?
IM: Spain approached the game with a mix of confidence and caution. Even though they were already through, they wanted to maintain their winning momentum. Interestingly, they started a bit shaky, revealing some insecurities, especially in the opening minutes. Yet, after a few moments of adjustment, they took control of the game, which is characteristic of the coaching style of Luis de la Fuente.
TNE: Absolutely, it was a game that tested their resilience. Ayoze was highlighted as a key player, both as a goal scorer and assist provider. How crucial do you think his involvement was to Spain’s overall performance?
IM: Ayoze’s contribution was immense. He not only opened up opportunities but also created space for his teammates. The chemistry he displayed, particularly with captain Oyarzabal, was vital in breaking down the Danish defense. It’s not just about the numbers; it’s the way he dragged defenders and created chances that showcases his importance to the squad.
TNE: You mentioned La Furia Roja’s early struggles. They could have been 1-0 down based on some early chances from Denmark. How do you think those moments influenced the tide of the game?
IM: Those moments are often crucial. When Denmark missed their early chances, it seemed to galvanize Spain. They had to quickly shake off their initial nerves and realize that they still had control over the match. That poor finishing from Denmark may have given Spain the confidence they needed to compose themselves and take the lead, which they did with Oyarzabal’s goal.
TNE: Speaking of goals, the way Oyarzabal scored was a testament to the tactical synergy among the players. How important is teamwork in matches like these, especially at this level of international competition?
IM: Teamwork is everything at this level. High-level players must operate as a cohesive unit. The combination play between Merino and Ayoze that led to Oyarzabal’s goal was a perfect example of Spanish football philosophy—maintaining possession and looking for gaps to exploit. When players understand each other’s movements and strengths, it elevates the entire team’s performance.
TNE: That makes perfect sense. Looking ahead, Spain’s victory in this group sets them up for quarter-finals. What challenges do you anticipate they might face in the next round?
IM: As they progress, Spain will face stronger opponents who can capitalize on any defensive lapses. They’ll need to refine their defensive organization, especially after showcasing some vulnerabilities against Denmark. Additionally, if they can keep their attacking players like Ayoze performing at this level, their offensive versatility will be a huge asset.
TNE: Before we wrap up, what aspect of Spain’s performance do you think needs the most attention moving forward?
IM: They need to work on their early game intensity. Starting strong is key in knockout competitions where the stakes are higher. They can’t afford to miss chances or show insecurity at the outset. If they can come out firing from the first whistle, they’ll significantly improve their chances of advancing further in the tournament.
TNE: Thank you, Ivan! Your insights on Spain’s performance are invaluable as always. We look forward to seeing how they perform in the upcoming matches.
IM: Thank you for having me! I’m excited to see what Spain will accomplish in the quarter-finals. Let’s hope for thrilling football ahead!
TNE: Absolutely, stay tuned for more updates on the Nations League and beyond!