September 5, 1998 was one of the most turbulent days In the history of the Spanish team. The team led by Javier Clemente hit rock bottom with a defeat in Cyprus (3-2) right after the defeat. The 1998 World Cup in France and this mockery cost the Barakaldo coach his head. Spain will play on the island again 25 years later and this reference was helpful Luis de la Fuente to avoid trust.
The facts show that the difference between the two teams is very clear. The 6-0 at Los Cármenes spoke for itself. While Spain became the leader in the group with its only defeat against Scotland. Cyprus They lost seven of their matches by a sad balance of 2 goals to 27 goals.with. The numbers couldn’t be more convincing.
Spain has every reason to be confident, but Luis de la Fuente puts pressure on his team as if it were a more official match. In reality, La Roja has one thing at stake: staying first in the group and aspiring to be seeded. draw Euro 2024 It will be held in Hamburg on December 2.
The Spanish team got their ticket to Germany with their last win in Norway. You should close nowLast window of the year for another Cinderella like Georgia against Cyprus this Thursday and next Sunday in Valladolid.
De la Fuente wants to avoid at all costs his students viewing these duels as mere formalities. The coach even talked about taking the field as if it were a final, perhaps the hype was necessary as a motivating factor.
Avoid clutter
The coach knows the complex environment of the Spanish team very well and any setback has brutal dimensions. Spain cannot afford to play in Cyprus. Even if we had won, it would have been a loss of reputation. UEFA Nations League and we qualified for Euro’24 two days in advance.
Luis de la Fuente plans to field a fully competitive team. Maybe Ferran Torres and José Luis Gayà, the two players who are among the cotton wool, will be restedbut they were already able to attend the training held in Limassol this Wednesday. Rioja native has 25 playersSo you will need to take two shots as only 23 players are allowed to register.
A recognizable eleven
The best way to give seriousness to the game is for example: Placing Unai Simon under the sticks, the usual owner of the castle and do not take any initiative. David Raya, who has found a place for himself in a European giant like Arsenal, may have an opportunity in Valladolid.
The real innovation in defense is Iñigo Martínez in great form for injured LaporteGrimaldo has plenty of tricks to make his debut with the senior team on the left side to protect Gayà.
In the core, Rodri is the owner of the center and main pivot of Spain. Gavi is another regular, while Mikel Merino and Fabián are vying for the other inside position, as is usually the case.
Above, Captain morata seems fixed, but extremes may apply to two children Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams, but Oyarzabal They also have options to sneak into the left area.
In the case of Lamine will play his third game with the first team and will need just one game to avoid falling to Morocco.. A requirement the Federation is willing to settle in this window to avoid future horrors.
Possible alignments
Cyprus: Mall, Andreou, Karo, Gogic, Kyprianou, Iannonu, Spoljanic, Kousoulos, Kyriakov, Christofi and Kostang
Spain: Unai Simón, Carvajal, Le Normand, Iñigo Martínez, Grimaldo, Rodri, Merino, Gavi, Lamine Yamal, Morata and Oyarzabal
Judge: Mykola Balakin (Ukrainian).
Stadium: Limassol Stadium
Hour: 18:00