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Spain, the 2010 Champions, are knocked out of the 2018 World Cup in the round of 16 stage. Though they did not play poorly, they lacked penetration and struggled to create goal scoring opportunities.
They drew their first game against Portugal 3-3 and won the game against Iran 1-0. They drew with Morocco 2-2 in their final group stage game and booked their clash against Russia in the round of 16.
Russia eliminated Spain from the tournament after beating them 4-3 on penalties. Though none of the players can be blamed for their World Cup exit, they have made some critical mistakes throughout the World Cup and failed as a team.
The tiki-taka football which landed them the World Cup in 2010, caused their downfall in Russia because of poor execution. Particularly against Russia, they passed the ball sideways and backwards and found it hard to break Russia’s compact defence.
On that note, let’s take a look at the 3 players who let Spain down in the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
#3 Koke
The Atletico Madrid star was a surprise starter for Spain in their World Cup opener against Portugal. He played alongside Sergio Busquets in the heart of Spanish midfield but was ineffective for the most part of the game. Though he provided some midfield stability, his services to Diego Costa and others were poor throughout the game.
Koke was dropped to the bench for the subsequent games but started the round of 16 game against Russia. Though he was solid in his defensive aspects of the game, he lacked penetration with his passes.
His deliveries into the box were inaccurate which made it really easy for Russia defenders. Also, he was poor with his spot-kick in the shootout against Russia and made it easy for Igor Akinfeev. A poor tournament by his own high standards.
#2 David Silva
David Silva has been a consistent performer for Manchester City and Spain over the years. He played a stellar role for Manchester City in the 2017/18 Premier League season and was a key player for Spain in the qualifying campaign.
However, he wasn’t at his best in the 2018 World Cup. He started all the game for Spain in the tournament and was not able to score a goal or make an assist. Though he was good in the game against Portugal and Iran, he was less involved as the tournament progressed.
David Silva was completely off the pace against Russia and dispossessed far too easily. Though he was comfortable with his passing, he hardly had any influence on the game. He could not create any meaningful opportunity for his teammates and was replaced by Iniesta in the second half.
#1 David de Gea
David de Gea had a World Cup to forget. Arguably the best goalkeeper in the World before the start of the tournament in Russia, David de Gea has dented his reputation after below-par performances in the World Cup.
He started the tournament in a dreadful way when he allowed a tame Cristiano Ronaldo effort to find the back of the net. His statistics at the tournament were absolutely dismal. Of the seven shots he faced at the World Cup, he managed to save only one and conceded six goals.
He also failed to save any of the penalties in the round of 16 game against Russia. The 27-year-old lacked conviction and struggled with his distribution. Though De Gea alone cannot be blamed for their exit, a better De Gea world have certainly helped their cause.
