Greece 0-1 Spain
As penalty kicks go, it will surely prove to be one of the most important of the entire World Cup 2022 qualifying campaign.
Pablo Sarabia may not be a household name worldwide but 2010 World Cup champions Spain are rejoicing his name tonight as La Roja moved to within touching distance of next year’s showpiece in Qatar.
Not only that but Luis Enrique’s side now has the destination for top spot in Group B back in their own hands.
In fact, a point on Sunday night will be enough to secure it.
Highlights of the game
That was something few expected at the start of the evening, yet this win in Athens – coupled with a surprise defeat in Georgia for previous leaders Sweden – ensured Spain only need a point in their qualifying finale against the Swedes in Seville to punch their ticket to Qatar.
This match may also have had a limited amount of World Cup 2022 highlights but Spain won’t care one bit.
“The World Cup at stake” was the headline in Catalan newspaper Sport which at the same time underlined Enrique’s optimism despite a lengthy list of absentees which included Ferran Torres, Mikel Oyarzabal, Pedri, Gerard Moreno, Marcos Llorente, Eric García, Ansu Fati, and Yéremi Pino, as all of them are injured.
However, as the 51 year old manager pointed out, he is a lucky coach with “a vast pool of talent to choose from” and that was evident in his starting lineup with Raul de Tomas handed a debut up front alongside Alvaro Morata, while Dani Carvajal and Jose Luis Gaya manned the full-back positions.
Elsewhere, Inigo Martinez was slotted in at centre-back and the ever-improving Manchester City midfielder Rodri came in for Busquets.
Of course, the Greek camp has no such strength and coach John van ’t Schip was unable to field his captain and Greece’s scorer in the 1-1 draw in Granada last March since Tasos Bakasetas was suspended.
The 28-year-old Trabzonspor attacking midfielder and current Turkish league top scorer was out anyway through injury and was joined on the sidelines by centre-back Pantelis Hatzidiakos (also suspended).
Nevertheless, the home side (surprise European champions in 2004) were aiming to keep their dream alive.
The decisive moment arrived midway through the first half when Martinez was fouled in the area during a scramble and, after confirmation from VAR, Sarabia confidently converted the spot-kick.
One may have become two before the break when Gaya released Morata who shot straight at Greece goalkeeper Odysseas Vlachodimos.
After being much the better side in the opening 45 minutes, Spain lacked the same sparkle in the second period yet managed to keep out the home side despite a late surge.
With that, Spain had won their first match in three qualifiers, where group leaders and the smart money is on them staying there.
Battling Greece will finish third irrespective of the result in their final qualifier but they can be proud of the progress they are making under van t’ Schip.
Key statistics
Sarabia’s penalty was the first Spain have converted since September last year, ending their worst run in the 21st century.
When Busquets came on as a second half substitute for his 133th international game, he equalled new Barcelona boss and former teammate Xavi Hernández’s record in becoming the third-most capped player for Spanish national team.
Spain have scored at least one goal in their 11 last matches in all competitions.
What’s next?
The final matches for both nations now take place on Sunday as Greece entertain Kosovo while Spain host Sweden in a winner-take-all battle.
The group runners-up will be involved in next spring’s play-offs.
That not only concludes World Cup qualifying but also international fixtures for both teams in 2021.
No matches are yet scheduled for either county for 2022.
Don’t forget to check out the SBOTOP World Cup 2021 betting odds in advance.
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