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By results, Spain went from more to less in Qatar 2022: from the crushing 7-0 against Costa Rica, to the 1-1 draw against Germany, and closing with a surprising stumble against Japan by 2-1. Despite this, the team led by Luis Enrique Martínez advanced to the round of 16 as the second best classified in group E.
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After the match against the Japanese, there were various comments regarding the role of the 'Roja'. In that sense, Hugo Sánchez hinted that the Spaniards' defeat is part of a strategy by the coach to avoid facing Brazil in a potential quarterfinal matchup in the World Cup.
In the analysis of ESPN, the host David Faitelson asked the following question: "Can you assure me that Spain went out to seek this result, to avoid Brazil in the quarterfinals?" and it was 'Pentapichichi' who took charge of answering that doubt with a resounding response.
"I assure you. I wasn't there; I'm not in Luis Enrique's mind, but Luis Enrique must have thought about what the formula was to avoid Brazil in the quarterfinals. There is risk, yes, and you take that risk," said Sánchez, who defended the jerseys of Atlético de Madrid, Real Madrid, and Rayo Vallecano.
Subsequently, the former coach of the Mexican team between 2006 and 2008 recalled that in his time as the coach of Pumas UNAM, he calculated to lose against Chivas de Guadalajara to not face a strong rival in the Liguilla. So, Hugo sent substitutes to that match and was defeated: "I wanted that,"
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Based on that experience, Sánchez returned to the case of Spain in the closing of the groups at Qatar 2022: "I tell the truth, it's not that Spain is afraid of Brazil, but rather respect," he said. "Luis Enrique will never say it, coaches will never say 'I let myself be defeated'. It's simply 'I prefer this'," he concluded.
When does Spain play in Qatar 2022?
Luis Enrique's team returns to action on Tuesday, December 6th, to face Morocco in the round of 16 of the World Cup. The match will start at 10 in the morning (Peruvian time) from the Ciudad de la Educación stadium.