That's football fans logic. For example, Italy usually play cagey and decadent football, but never get that much criticism. When they show a modicum of attacking intent, they get praised to heavens. Similar with France, to a lesser extent.
Day 4: Morocco vs Croatia | Germany vs Japan | Spain vs Costa Rica | Belgium vs Canada
- Thread starter Samid
- Start date
He’s fantastic but Gavi and Pedri are next level.
Yup, about as one sided a game as you will ever see!
Gavi is something else.
They are good tbf.
Costa Rica, the Rangers of this edition of the World Cup.
I think Germany will be more worried that Costa Rica are absolutely hopeless as they'll need a favor on Sunday... The Spain game is a must win for them I think. Though I guess they'll know by kick off if a draw will give them hope or not.
Pedri is the all timer, I do think Musiala is a bigger talent than Gavi though.
Until yesterday the vibe was we would start like this, but Alonso has to be wondering whether it's too reliant on experience. I'd personally bring on Suárez in the second half against tired legs, not early to see him tire quicker than everyone else.
Amazing goal
Morata is terrible
Why does Enrique like him so much? Do Spain not have any strikers who know how to finish? I'm sure theres a couple of la Liga mid table ones who could do a job.
Having said that his assist for the Gavi goal was class.
I actually think it works for them. He's better as a DM, but his reading of the game and ability to play out from the back are all they really need him to do. He's partnered with Laporte and has Busquets as a potential cover in those games. In addition, Azpi is also on his flank.
Spain's issue will come when they need their full backs as potential outlets. They won't be able to pin teams back as much as they would like to think with the full backs they have. Even if they try to, Busquets won't have the support he'll need to stop counters and right now he doesn't have the pace to keep up with those quick breakaways. Spain would need to really dominate the big games in order to win. They don't have the individual brilliance in attack or the box to box elements in a midfield. For them, my suspicion is that if they can't pin a team down ( which I'm not sure they can to the big teams this tournament given their full backs), they won't actually be able to create chances.
Both France and Brazil don't need to control a game to win it. Both teams can hit you hard on the break, both teams can break up play in more open games and both teams have individual creators
Spain have been a joy to watch. Their basic technique and football intelligence is through the roof.
Wow Godin still plays, I guess that's because of the Arujo injury? Bit strange starting Suarez over Nunez?
So if Japan beats Costa Rica (and they really should), Germany already under huge pressure vs Spain
That's how I see it too. France and Brazil are simply more robust overall, and have some real firepower upfront. They don't need to play amazing football to win.
Morata is so bad. It’s like he’s won a competition to play for Spain. Stands out like a sore thumb.
My thoughts exactly. Only teams with great countering speed will hurt them.
I really dont understand how teams go through qualifying, then turn up like this?
Sixth for Spain.
Lovely cross by Nico Williams.
The y could virtually all three end up with 6 points, with two teams going ahead on GD.
Nico Williams looks class
Soler looks a bit like a European version of Hakimi.
Italy played offensive football in the last Euro, did it again in the qualifiers, did it again in Euro 2012.
France historically play offensive football, their defensive mode was last WC, but they played offensive in the Nations League they won against Spain.
Costa Rica looks boring, cause they don't have quality, can't even make a proper counter-attack...no quality at all.
Well sometimes you get overwhelmed by a great performance. It's not like we haven't received hiding and we usually have a super expensive team. People love mocking these weaker teams but it's not easy for them
Navaz has had a shocker.
8 added minutes at 6-0 
6-0 route.
Not gonna lie, I kind of got tired of the Spanish style over the years, but they have been absolutely masterful today, especially considering some of the tumescent football you see at the international level. Their technical quality is top shelf, along with their ability to accelerate once the goal move is on.
Long may it continue8 added minutes at 6-0
Spain with the best individual performance of the tournament so far
Yeah, if Germany beat Spain. That's gonna be a big ask.
Morata makes it seven.
Costa Rica.... Horrible.
Spain, class.
Spain, class.
Too too easy. 7-0.
What a demolition! Even Morata scored.
7-0
I remember when Spain absolutely bossed what was a fantastic Italian midfield in the Euros but their attack was blunted at times and it really stopped them winning the tournament. Guess they might have improved on that front now.
I remember when Spain absolutely bossed what was a fantastic Italian midfield in the Euros but their attack was blunted at times and it really stopped them winning the tournament. Guess they might have improved on that front now.