Spain will have to win in Portugal if they are to reach the Nations League Finals after suffering a shock 2-1 home defeat to Switzerland in Group A2 on Saturday.
As Portugal cruised to a comfortable 4-0 win over Czech Republic, Luis Enrique’s side failed to make the most of their superiority in Zaragoza and slumped to a first defeat since the 2021 Nations League final loss to France.
Spain had great difficulty converting possession into a goal threat, at no point in the first half looking likely to cancel out Manuel Akanji’s opener.
Marco Asensio did inspire Jordi Alba’s equaliser early in the second half, but an Eric Garcia own goal almost instantly had them playing catch up again and a second equaliser never materialised.
Despite their dominance of the ball, Spain struggled to carve out chances and were behind in the 21st minute as Akanji met Ruben Vargas’ corner with a header that found the top-right corner.
The only other first-half shot on target for either team arrived just before the break, Unai Simon forced to keep Xherdan Shaqiri’s effort out at his near post after the winger’s incisive run.
It took 55 minutes for Spain to muster an accurate attempt and it brought the equaliser, with Alba hammering home after Asensio released him at the end of a brilliant solo run.
But the visitors quickly restored their lead – Garcia ultimately knocking into his own net following Akanji’s flick-on from another Vargas corner.
La Roja played most of the final 30 minutes camped in Switzerland’s half, but their only clear opportunity saw Yann Sommer get down to thwart Carlos Soler and seal victory in stoppage time.
What does it mean? Luis Enrique’s selections to be questioned again
In fairness to the Spain coach, he is seemingly yet to find a player he has unwavering faith in to play as the central striker, but his choice of Asensio as a false nine here raised eyebrows before kick-off.
Asensio had his moments, certainly, but Spain carried more threat in the box once Borja Iglesias was brought on for the Real Madrid midfielder just past the hour.
But why not just start Iglesias in the first place? Perhaps playing a false nine was because of a desire to control possession, though you could argue Spain will retain the ball against almost any team, particularly at home. Their lack of presence in the first half potentially cost them this game.
Wingers fade into the background
Pablo Sarabia and Ferran Torres started as Spain’s wingers, though neither was particularly impressive.
Between them they managed a single key pass, a grand total of two shots and none on target. Granted, Asensio was hardly a focal point they could look to, but the two widemen produced very little inspiration.
Akanji leads from the back
Spain were very underwhelming in attack, and that was partly down to Akanji, whose five clearances was more than any other Switzerland player.
He was also in the right place at the right time at the other end of the pitch, nodding in the opening goal and playing a vital role in the eventual winner. A good day at the office.
What’s next?
Spain face Portugal in Braga on Tuesday in a game that will determine which side reaches the Nations League Finals. Switzerland welcome Czech Republic to St. Gallen with both teams hoping to avoid relegation.
