Croatia 0-1 Spain: A quarterfinals with much suffering

We did not expect an easy match against Croatia, but not suffering. Victoria of Spain 0-1 to Croatia, thanks to a goal by Jesus Navas at minute 88. A breath of fresh air after a performance full of nerves and uncertainties, while Croatia was growing Casillas finished erecting the pedestal again. With the victory Spain is classified as group-which could mean avoiding France in the quarter, while Italy with us as a second group.

Mourning has made ​​it clear that what Ireland was child's play . It was a daring make the selection through the roof by winning 4-0 to an opponent as weak. Spain is at its best. Was demonstrated against Italy and Croatia to be confirmed. The fact that from now the only goal in every game is the win will help Spain to face matches running more risks and being less speculative attack.

No rhythm, no mobility without risk ...

We face the greatest challenge of Spain in the Euro, present even in Ireland. Spain has reached the tournament without spark. The game play has not disappeared, and identity, is implicit in the genes of the selection. But it has nothing to do with the touch of our big day. Spain moves the ball to an excessively slow pace that is easy to defend for the rival, scramble it away. No player plays and moves, but rather tap and wait for the partner or decide to return. So grateful that Iniesta, Silva and to a lesser extent, try to face and overcome lines. If we talk about demand the ball into space, only Fernando Torres appears.

So Spain has improved the entry of Cesc Fabregas, because he first looks for space and then asks for the ball. Because it moves and is offered, creates superiority. Some of what Spain has suffered throughout the game.

Xavi off-site

Xavi has Del Bosque's Spain a much more advanced than at FC Barcelona. There are days when you have around the area is a blessing, but others like the present one in which costs limelight. Xavi is a player who runs and plays his football from a static position. It is not the same as Xavi received the ball in his own field and the play forward thinking and associating with peers, to get him the ball and three-quarters of the attack, have to turn around and decide. You are limiting your risk and your team, accustomed to the area of ​​the midfield is full of players changing positions. Same as Xavi turned the key team in 2008.

Casillas, for the umpteenth time

Led by a sublime Luka Modric, Croatia put us in far more trouble than expected. Looking back on Jordi Alba and Arbeloa, found several times, especially in the second half, to get ahead on the scoreboard. The best of them, a millimeter Tottenham center to the outside of the foot that finished off Rakitic pleasure. Appeared Casillas, who only had to intervene in two or three times, but he did it perfectly. Including the corners, always dangerous against a team of this magnitude. In one, Busquets made ​​a grab penalty for that Stark did not see.

We can not fail to mention the poor performance of Spanish behind, despite not conceding goals. Especially Sergio Ramos and Pique, very nervous and vague at the start of the ball. Someone should tell them that, even for once, do not give a blow from a ball is penalized. Correct these details and make Spain a block must be a priority for Forest between now and Saturday.