Spain tackle Japan on Thursday at World Cup 2022 and can end as group winners with three factors in opposition to the Samurai Blue.
- Spain going through Japan
- Can prime group
- Second spot could deliver simpler draw
WHAT HAPPENED? The Spain boss was requested if he’d quite end second in Group E to keep away from a possible quarter-final in opposition to Brazil. La Roja will win the group in the event that they beat Japan and can then face Morocco, Croatia or Belgium within the final 16 earlier than a possible conflict with Brazil subsequent. Luis Enrique has admitted he has already thought of the ramifications and defined why taking part in for second place could be a danger.
WHAT THEY SAID: “It is a terrific query, as a result of we have thought of it too,” he stated in a press convention. “However think about we wish to end second, we get to the ninetieth minute and it is 0-0 within the two video games, and within the ninety fifth minute with 15 seconds left, Japan and Costa Rica each rating. You gambled, and also you’re out. Or think about Germany are 5-0 up, we’re in search of a draw, and Japan rating and we’re out. Whenever you’re satisfied that you’ve got an excellent crew and also you wish to play seven video games [to get to the final], it is not about ending second. We wish to end first. If we play Brazil within the quarterfinals, nice, we’ll play Brazil. However we can’t depend our chickens earlier than they’ve hatched.”
THE BIGGER PICTURE: Brazil and Spain have seemed among the many strongest sides within the event thus far after making spectacular begins to the World Cup. Luis Enrique’s aspect have hammered Costa Rica 7-0 and drawn with Germany, whereas Brazil have sealed wins over Serbia and Switzerland.
IN THREE PHOTOS:
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DID YOU KNOW? Spain have solely misplaced three of their final 19 video games within the group stage of a World Cup event (W12 D4) and are unbeaten in six group matches (W3 D3) since shedding in opposition to Chile in 2014.
WHAT NEXT FOR SPAIN? La Roja play Japan on Thursday and want solely some extent to qualify. Luis Enrique’s aspect will end prime in the event that they win or with a draw if Costa Rica draw or lose to Germany.