Spain does not want scares

Spain does not want scares on its way to the second round

The Spanish team faces Japan in search of a victory that guarantees their place as first

MADRID, 30 Nov. (EUROPA PRESS) -

The Spanish soccer team will seek this Thursday (8:00 p.m./La 1) to seal its ticket for the round of 16 of the World Cup in Qatar without stress or fear, adding its second victory of the tournament against a much more obligatory Japan, which will also allow it to guarantee the first place.

After their victory against Costa Rica and their draw against Germany, Spain needs only one point to be among the best 16 of this World Cup, although that would leave the leadership of Group E still with possibilities for the Costa Rican team if they are able to give the bell before the four-time world champion. The 'Red' could even go through with a defeat, but that would already leave it in the hands of both the 'ticos' and the Germans, with the latter needing to make up for the great goal difference compared to the three-time European champion.

In any case, and given what is happening in this event, the team led by Luis Enrique Martínez will not want to speculate and depend solely on itself, without looking at the rival that would be in the running and that they would meet before their match, since Group F closes hours before.

The 2010 world champion starts theoretically as favorites against a Japan that complicated their options after having done the most difficult thing, coming back and defeating Germany in their debut. However, the setback against Costa Rica forces her to take risks and go for the win that guarantees her pass without having to pay attention to the other game.

The only one that can be somewhat cautious is a Spain to which this characteristic does not fit with the philosophy that its coach transmits. The Spanish team will not play with the result and will surely come out determined to prevail over a rival that has already made it clear that it does not allow relaxation or concessions, but that with spaces it may be weaker for the 'Red' game.

The Asian team will surely put a lot of intensity, although it remains to be seen if they press up from the start or prefer to hide a little closer to their goal. Faced with a presumably high pace, Luis Enrique could choose to modify his eleven a little more than he did last Sunday against Germany where there was a lot of wear and tear.

One of the main doubts is whether Sergio Busquets will play. The captain is aware of missing the round of 16 and could fall out of the eleven to overtake Rodri Hernández there, who has scored at a good level as a center-back. This option would leave a hole in the center of the defense for Eric García or Pau Torres, while the wings could change again with the entries of César Azpilicueta and Alejandro Balde.

In the middle, Pedri seems indisputable and Koke could have his opportunity to give some air to Gavi who suffered a blow to the knee against Hansi Flick's men, but that is not important, and the front part could also be greatly modified. Álvaro Morata, after his goal against Germany, could regain ownership and on the sides the Asturian coach could handle his numerous options that entry, with Pablo Sarabia with the possibility of starting.

Spain will face a Japan against which it has only been measured once in its history, more than two decades ago, in 2001, and in a friendly that ended in a 1-0 victory. However, several players like Pedri, Asensio, Eric García, Dani Olmo, Pau Torres or Unai Simón already know how uncomfortable it can be from last year's experience at the Tokyo Games.

The two teams met in the semifinals and only a goal from the Real Madrid player in extra time put an end to the resistance of the hosts, who in that U-23 team had up to ten current players, including veterans Yoshida and Sakai, and younger ones like Kubo, Endo, Doan, Maeda, Itakura or Soma, in addition to the current coach, Hajime Moriyasu.

They must decide whether to opt for the more usual four-team defense and look for more influence on the wings with three center-backs, something that Tomisayu's recovery, absent against Costa Rica, can help. On the other hand, Endo, a key player in the middle, and the veteran Sakai, who did not play the last game, are a serious doubt for an eleven to which the realistic Kubo could also return to Maeda for Asano.

JAPAN: Sonda; Yamane, Itakura, Yoshida, Nagatomo; Kamada, Endo, Morita; For you, Read Link.

SPAIN: Unai Simon; Azpilicueta, Rodri, Laporte, Bucket; Coke, Busquets, Pedri; Ferran Torres, Morata and Sarabia.

--REFEREE: Victor Gomes (SUD).

--STADIUM: Khalifa International.

--TIME: 20.00/The 1-World Goal-Movistar.