The Spain national team closed 2022 with a disappointing exit from the World Cup as Morocco knocked them out in the round of 16 in Qatar. The defeat left a sour taste, especially since Spain failed to register a shot on target in that decisive match. The outcome precipitated a leadership change, with the departure of Luis Enrique marking the end of an era defined by bright moments and stubborn setbacks in what was billed as a landmark year for Spanish football.
Goal.com reviews how Spain’s year unfolded and what it signifies for the national team as it moves forward.
Throughout 2022, Spain played thirteen matches in total. The schedule included three friendlies, six UEFA Nations League fixtures, and four World Cup matches in Qatar.
friendly
The year began with two friendlies in March when Luis Enrique led the side against Albania and Iceland, securing 2-1 and 5-0 results respectively. The Albanian clash marked a return to Catalonia, with the national team playing at the RCDE Stadium to a raucous home reception.
The third friendly of 2022 came against Jordan on November 17, just before the World Cup, with Spain prevailing 1-3.
UEFA Nations League
June brought the UEFA Nations League, where Spain sat in Group 2 of League A with Portugal, the Czech Republic, and Switzerland. The campaign opened with two draws: 1-1 with Portugal at the Benito Villamarín thanks to a Morata strike, and 2-2 with the Czech Republic in Prague thanks to a late equalizer from Íñigo Martínez. A turning point arrived with a 0-1 victory over Switzerland in Malaga, driven by a Sarabia goal, which helped Spain seize top spot after another win over the Czech Republic in Malaga featuring goals from Soler and Sarabia.
The Nations League resumed in September with a setback, a 1-2 defeat in Zaragoza to Switzerland that dampened hopes of reaching the Final Four. Three days later, Spain responded with a strong showing by beating Portugal in Prague thanks to Morata’s 88th-minute strike, advancing through the Final Four path.
In Zaragoza, a stumble followed by a swift comeback in Prague summed up the year: moments of promise shadowed by crucial disappointments as the squad balanced ambition with inconsistency.
Qatar World Cup 2022
After the Jordan friendly, Spain entered the World Cup in Qatar with high expectations. The opening match delivered a record-tying 7-0 victory over Costa Rica, signaling an aggressive start that set the tone for the group stage.
The second group game against Germany ended in a hard-fought draw, keeping Spain on track toward the knockout rounds, even as questions about performance and tactics persisted.
The third group game brought a tumultuous end to the group stage. Finishing second left Spain facing a challenging path and sparked debates about the best route forward, including whether to top the group or finish second to avoid Brazil in later rounds. Spain finished behind Japan, whose resilience complicated the group dynamics and raised concerns about the squad’s momentum.
Ultimately, Spain advanced to the knockout stage but were eliminated by Morocco in a penalty shootout, ending a chapter marked by high expectations and missed opportunities.
In the aftermath, the federation announced a new coaching direction, appointing Luis de la Fuente, the former Spain Under-21 coach, to lead the national team into a new era.
The year left the Spanish national team with more shadows than lights, underscoring the need for rebuilding, continuity, and a clear strategic vision for the post-World Cup period.
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