The Spanish soccer crew wakened in time to win (1-2), with a aim from Sergio Gómez, in opposition to Uzbekistan in its debut this Wednesday in Group C of the Paris 2024 Olympic Video games, held on the Parc des Princes within the French capital, and the unhealthy luck of the debut, because it had not gained for the reason that 2000 version in Sydney.
The highway to reaching the second gold in its historical past on the Video games was a tough one. The extraordinary warmth suffocated Spanish soccer within the first half. That and the specter of the debut curse – that they had not gained since 2000 after the 0-3 in opposition to South Korea – weighed down Santi Denia’s crew, who have been sluggish in creating and had zero verticality just like the final model of the ‘tiki taka’ that led nowhere and compelled them to vary the mannequin.
With the good revelation of the LaLiga season, EA Sports activities’ Pau Cubarsí, in defence, and up to date European champions Fermín López and Álex Baena searching for a double within the beginning eleven, Spain didn’t fear their unknown rival with a flat sport and no depth on the flanks just like the solar that beat down on the Parc des Princes.
Spain wakes up on time in its debut in opposition to Uzbekistan – Picture: Miguel Gutiérrez
Solely a few crosses anticipated, nevertheless, the Spanish benefit, which got here from an help from Sergio Gómez that Abel Ruiz headed in for Almería footballer Marc Pubill to attain from point-blank vary shortly earlier than the half-hour mark (minute 29) with out Spain having deserved a lot reward.
Removed from breaking down Uzbekistan’s wall, the Asian U-23 runners-up continued their vigorous sport, coming near equalising with a strong free kick on the sting of the realm by a spirited and ever-present Jaloliddinov, however neutralised by an nearly unprecedented Tena.
The equaliser got here simply after a penalty, which was reviewed by VAR, dedicated by Pau Cubarsi, who was sluggish and never as dependable as at FC Barcelona, on Hamraliev. Shomurodov managed to transform it with a slow-motion shot, though it was near the put up in additional time earlier than the break so needed for the Olympic runners-up.
Spain wakes up on time in its debut in opposition to Uzbekistan – Picture: Teresa Suarez
From a missed penalty to a aim
Denia’s half-time discuss had an impact. With the nervous Cubarsi not on the pitch, a cutback from Oroz led to the penalty that Sergio Gómez tried to transform into 1-2 within the 59th minute after a gaggle that had metamorphosed and was efficiently placing stress on the ball.
Gómez noticed Nematov clear his shot into the centre along with his ft, however he bought his revenge with a subsequent help from Miranda on the left wing that simply three minutes later (min. 62) resulted within the ultimate 1-2 regardless of the final makes an attempt of a worthy rival who by no means gave up.
It was a uninteresting victory, a typical one for a debut during which the ‘Rojita’ got here out torpid and circled in time to get out of the mess. Subsequent Saturday, additionally beginning at 3:00 p.m., they should keep away from the nap in opposition to the Dominican Republic in Bordeaux so as to add one other victory that may put them within the subsequent section.
