Spain's dramatic 1-0 win over Portugal in the Round of 16 marked a significant moment in their World Cup campaign, with Mikel Merino's 91st-minute winner securing their passage to the quarter-finals. The victory was a testament to the team's ability to remain composed under pressure, with manager Luis de la Fuente's tactics proving instrumental in their success.
The match saw Spain dominate possession, with 531 passes made and a total of 1.78 expected goals. Despite a slow second half, the team's chances and shots on goal were a testament to their attacking prowess. The 36 long passes made by Spain, accounting for just 6.8% of their total, highlighted a shift in their strategy, moving away from the sweeping switches that characterized their earlier performances.
A key factor in Spain's success was their ability to remain untroubled by Portugal's attacks, with the opposition's 0.58 expected goals failing to reach the 0.78 survived by Spain against their previous opponents. The team's five clean sheets in a row demonstrated their defensive solidity, a crucial aspect of their campaign.
However, the match also highlighted Spain's lack of firepower, with their forward play described as "conservative" and "lacking in weapons." The team's reluctance to play the pass they saw first and their timid approach in central areas were notable trends, with Rodri Hernandez attributing their success to "maturity" rather than a desire to win at all costs.
The absence of Nico Williams, who was injured ahead of the tournament, was particularly felt, with Lamine Yamal struggling to compensate for his pace and directness. Mikel Oyarzabal's unusual positioning and lack of runs between Portugal's centre-backs were also notable, with Opta's pass map suggesting that de la Fuente deliberately had him deeper to counter Portugal's counter-attacks.
As Spain progress to the quarter-finals, their likely opponents include France, a team with a formidable arsenal. While some may argue that Spain's more "mature" approach may be an advantage in a potential showdown, others may see it as a sign of weakness. One thing is certain, however: Spain's World Cup campaign is far from over, and their next challenge will be a significant test of their mettle.
