Spain secured qualification for the Nations League final four tournament after brushing past Germany 6-0 in Seville.
Spain Qualify for Nations League Final Four
Spaniards Make Fast Paced Start
The final game of this matchday group saw Spain taking the game to Germany. The sixth minute provided the first piece of action as Sergio Ramos‘ low free kick on the edge of the penalty area brought a smart stop from Manuel Neuer. Meanwhile the German captain became his countries most capped outfield goalkeeper with 96 appearances between the sticks.
It was Spain who broke the deadlock in the 17th minute. The goal arrived from a corner and a bullet header by Álvaro Morata pierced the ball through the roof of the net.
Spain Dominant
The first half was mostly dominated by the home side who enjoyed the lions share of possession, having joy with the high press. Morata was at the heart of everything and should have had another goal, which was wrongly disallowed for offside.
Also Ferrán Torres had a golden opportunity to double his side’s advantage but, with only the goalkeeper to beat, was thwarted by Neuer.
But moments later in the 33rd minute, Spain did score a second goal. After Daniel Olmo’s header hit the bar, Torres smashed in the rebound from close range. Therefore it capped a terrific first half from Luis Enrique’s men.
And two became three in the 38th minute with Rodri’s delicate header finding the back of the net. A first half dominated by a swashbuckling Spain yet made in Manchester City thanks to Torres and Rodri.
Germany Toothless and Shell shocked
Joachim Loew’s side had no shots at all and hardly mustered any offensive play in the first-half. Only Leroy Sané threatened of any note. In addition, the Germans were overrun and could barely live with the opponents’ drive, movement and intensity. Similarly, their defense were all at sea at the back and very much off colour.
Status Quo in the Second Half
After the break, Spain remained unrelenting in spite of their control. Daniel Olmo had an early chance to make it 4-0 but Neuer was once again there to the rescue, saving the strike with his legs.
Germany tried to mount some offence but huffed and puffed and couldn’t break down an organized and slick Spanish setup.
As Germany pushed on chasing the game, they left gaping holes in their defence. Ferran Torres scored his second of the night and Spain’s fourth with an easy tap in.
Ferran Torres then secured his treble in the 71st minute. Germany’s defense was carved open once more and the Manchester City winger curled home for his hat-trick. A masterful and clinical display in front of goal.
Spain smashed Germany for six with Mikel Oyarzabal laid on a plate by the brillian Fabián Ruiz to make the score 6-0. A scoreline richly deserved.
Germany’s only real chance was a thunderous strike from Serge Gnabry which came back off the woodwork. An abject performance and with even less luck.
Spain dominated for the majority of the game – creating 22 shot to their opponents’ two. Remarkably, there were no shots on goal for Germany with an upwardly mobile, confident and positive performance from the home side.
La Roja produced a sumptuous and classy display from start to finish. In addition, their 11 points in League A Group 4 confirmed their final four presence next October.
Both nations will now return to their respective club sides to recommence their domestic duties. Meanwhile international football takes a back seat until next March.
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