Spain 4-1 Wales: 5 Talking Points & Tactical Analysis

#2: Spain score yet another header; Vokes pulls one back amid substitutions

Both teams made several changes at halftime to ensure that the fringe players got an opportunity on the field. Moreover, as this international break is scheduled between a set of busy club fixtures, the players require adequate rest to sustain the pressure of playing at the top-flight throughout the course of the season.

However, though Enrique made some substitutions at halftime and in the second half, their style of play wasn’t bothered at all. The Spaniards continued to dominate with possession, moving the ball patiently and looking to stretch play before attacking at the gaps created in the opposition’s midfield and backline.

They coupled their smart possession-based play with an occasional element of directness and thus ensured that they were never predictable like their counterparts.

Moreover, the Welsh team could not come up with a unique idea to break this possession-dominated style and hence succumbed to the pressure created through an incessant spell of dominance from the Spaniards.

Marc Batra scored through a header to register the fourth goal and that provided a clear picture of how the overall game had evolved over the first 70 minutes. The Spaniards were undeterred and a change in personnel didn’t affect their outlook and implementation of the ideas inducted by the manager.

Sam Vokes scored a header via a cross in the 89th minute, but it was way too late and the damage was already inflicted by the Spaniards.