Spain showcased a powerful and seamless performance against Serbia in Cordoba, cruising to a 3-0 victory to secure their spot in the Nations League quarter-finals. Even without the injured Lamine Yamal, La Roja demonstrated impressive team depth and tactical control, extending their unbeaten streak and confirming their dominance in Group A4 with two games still to play.
Early Goal Sets the Tone for Spain’s Dominance
From the opening whistle, Spain made their intentions clear. The home side wasted no time in asserting control, and their early pressure paid off when Aymeric Laporte found the back of the net with a commanding header. This early goal not only gave Spain a crucial advantage but also immediately put Serbia on the defensive.
La Roja’s strategy revolved around controlling the game’s tempo through possession. They effectively passed the ball and created numerous chances, leaving the Serbian defense scrambling to keep up. The team’s offensive mindset was evident throughout the match.
- Possession: Spain maintained a significant majority of ball possession, dictating the flow of the game.
- Offensive Pressure: The team registered an impressive 30 shots at goal, a clear indicator of their attacking intent.
- Set-Piece Execution: Laporte’s goal was a perfect example of Spain’s ability to convert opportunities from set-pieces.
This relentless attack and control meant Serbia had very few opportunities to build any momentum, effectively neutralizing their game plan from the start.
Morata’s Rollercoaster Night Cements the Lead
Alvaro Morata experienced a night of mixed emotions but ultimately proved his value to the team. In the second half, the striker had a golden opportunity to double the lead from the penalty spot but failed to convert, a moment that could have potentially shifted the game’s momentum.
However, Morata displayed incredible mental fortitude. He didn’t let the miss affect his performance and quickly redeemed himself. In the 65th minute, he scored a well-taken goal, showcasing his striker’s instinct and reaffirming his importance to the Spanish attack. His goal provided a comfortable two-goal cushion and deflated any hopes of a Serbian comeback.
The resilience shown by Morata was a microcosm of the team’s overall character, proving they can overcome setbacks within a match and still execute their strategy effectively.
Serbia’s Downfall and a Critical Red Card
Serbia struggled to find any rhythm against a well-organized Spanish defense. Their attempts to get back into the game were consistently thwarted, and their frustration grew as the match progressed. The situation worsened significantly in the latter stages of the game.
The definitive turning point came when Strahinja Pavlovic received a straight red card for a last-man foul on Mikel Oyarzabal. Reduced to ten men, Serbia’s already slim chances of a comeback were completely extinguished. The foul also presented Spain with another prime scoring opportunity.
Alex Baena stepped up to take the resulting free-kick and expertly converted it, sealing the 3-0 victory. The goal was the final nail in the coffin for Serbia and a perfect capitalization on the numerical advantage by Spain.
Group A4 Picture: Spain Qualifies while Denmark Fights for a Draw
With this victory, Spain has officially clinched qualification for the quarter-finals from Group A4, highlighting their consistent and formidable form. Their unbeaten run now extends to an impressive 14 games, solidifying their status as one of the tournament favorites.
In the group’s other fixture, Denmark showed great resilience to secure a 2-2 draw against Switzerland. The Danes came from behind twice, with goals from debutant Gustav Isaksen and the experienced Christian Eriksen. The draw keeps Denmark in a strong position to finish second in the group.
| Position | Team | Points |
| 1 | Spain | 12 (Qualified) |
| 2 | Denmark | 5 |
| 3 | Switzerland | 4 |
| 4 | Serbia | 2 |
The results from these matches have set the stage for an exciting conclusion to the group stage, though Spain can now look forward to the knockout rounds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who scored the goals for Spain against Serbia?
The goals for Spain were scored by Aymeric Laporte, Alvaro Morata, and Alex Baena. Laporte opened the scoring with a header, Morata added the second, and Baena sealed the win with a free-kick.
Why was the red card significant in the Spain vs Serbia match?
Strahinja Pavlovic’s red card was significant because it reduced Serbia to ten players, making it nearly impossible for them to mount a comeback. It also led directly to Spain’s third goal from the subsequent free-kick.
Has Spain qualified for the next round of the Nations League?
Yes, with the 3-0 victory over Serbia, Spain has secured its spot in the Nations League quarter-finals. They have qualified from Group A4 with two games still remaining.
What was the result of the other match in Group A4?
In the other Group A4 match, Denmark and Switzerland played to a 2-2 draw. Denmark came from behind twice to earn a valuable point, which helps them maintain their position in second place in the group standings.
