Spain continues the hunt for Slovakia with a touch of magic

It took a touch of magic and a goal from Silva for Spain to stay in the hunt for Slovakia, with the Euro closer than ever. In Borisov, they showed their best at times and escaped without too many bruises from the brutality of Belarus, but they used too many bullets for a single target: 22 shots and one goal. Lots of trigger-happy and very little aim.

Spain arrived at the match in high spirits

Spain arrived at the match with fanfare, in good spirits, with a physical outburst uncharacteristic of the current season, and with plenty of tactics in the assault on Belarus. Del Bosque moved Cazorla back, understanding that it was the best approach to Iniesta, the midfielder who had to stretch and shrink as needed and provide that touch of genius that unlocks safes like Borisov's. Before the first minute, Pedro, an invaluable player for his generosity in his runs, his hyperactivity, and his ability to score, was already shaking the net of Gorbunov.

From then on, Belarus suffered a brutal onslaught, defending themselves fiercely and turning the game into a brawl, targeting the ankles of an overwhelmingly superior opponent. This was allowed by the unpronounceable Schörgenhofer, who denied Silva a penalty and tolerated the hunting of Silva, Jordi Alba, or Piqué.

The best thing happened on the left, with Jordi Alba's continuous surges, an exuberant fullback, well supported by Pedro and Silva at times. The Canarian is now the differential factor in Del Bosque's squad. He goes back and forth, demanding the role of a leader, filters passes, shows off his skills, and scores goals (he has scored 20 goals with the Spanish national team during Del Bosque's era). The one in Borisov, just before halftime, was crucial. He waited for Gorbunov's mistake, who later made a brilliant save, and with the composure of a lizard, he volleyed the ball into the Belarusian net.

Before that, Spain had already deserved a better reward because they had returned to the good times, with a fluent ball movement, quick and electric touches, and with Morata patiently waiting for his chance, the virtue demanded from Spain's number nine, who is required to decide matches without the match revolving around him. Now, he has flight and hierarchy. He is valuable as a percussionist, a runner, and a goalscorer. It will be difficult for the hard-working Alcácer or the inconsistent Diego Costa to replace him in that position.

Belarus witnessed that tiki-taka session between violence and resignation. Hleb, who has become a slower but more composed player, stood out among those strongmen who were satisfied with passing the ball in the midfield to ignite the crowd. He played a magnificent pass to Kornilenko, which was miraculously saved by Casillas. As we said, there is no winter for the captain in the national team.

There were also some drawbacks. The most notable one was the drop in tension and energy after halftime, which made the Belarusians bolder. Spain suffered a troubling setback, as reflected in the tight scoreline, which led to a brilliant performance by Iker, but it was resolved with the bubbly entrance of Isco. The style remained, but consistency was lacking, and we are getting closer to the European Championship. If we continue playing like this and improve our aim, we will be there.