Switzerland 1-4 Spain: Talking points as 10-men European champions show different quality

Following a rather disappointing goalless draw against Serbia a few days ago, Spain have ended this international break on a high note as they beat Switzerland in Geneva to earn their first victory of the Nations League campaign.

Joselu broke the deadlock in the fourth minute already, and Fabian Ruiz added another goal only nine minutes later. Things appeared set to take a different course when Robin le Normand picked up a straight red card in the 20th minute, and especially when Zeki Amdouni pulled a goal back for Switzerland with four minutes of the first half still to go. However, the home team’s hopes were reduced to a minimum in the 77th minute when Ruiz scored for Spain again, and completely extinguished three minutes later when substitute Ferran Torres set the final scoreline.

The teams

With Granit Xhaka and Nico Elvedi suspended, Switzerland boss Murat Yakin was forced to make changes to the team that started the 2-0 defeat to Denmark in the opening round.

With Gregor Kobel expectedly in goal, Gregory Wuthrich came into the back line of three instead of Elvedi, playing alongside Manuel Akanji and Ricardo Rodriguez. Xhaka’s place was covered by Denis Zakaria, who partnered Remo Freuler in the middle of the park, with Michel Aebischer on the left and Becir Omeragic getting the nod ahead of Silvan Widmer on the right. Fabian Rieder, who started on the left wing against Denmark, made way for Amdouni, a change that obviously paid off to an extent, while Breel Embolo and Ruben Vargas took their position as the centre-forward and left winger, respectively.

Meanwhile, Luis de la Fuente in the Spain dugout changed the whole system after drawing a blank in Belgrade, and the withdrawal of Dani Olmo from the squad through injury also played a part. David Raya stood between the posts, and with Dani Carvajal at right-back and the pair of Aymeric Laporte and Robin Le Normand in the heart of defence, Alejandro Grimaldo was chosen over Marc…

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Author : Veselin Trajkovic

Publish date : 2024-09-08 21:34:19

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