Fernando Hierro slow to react and other talking points from Spain's draw against Morocco

Andy West 00:53 26/06/2018
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  • Spain sealed first place in Group B in the most dramatic of circumstances, with a stoppage time leveller from Iago Aspas dovetailing with Iran’s similarly late penalty against Portugal to make the Iberian neighbours switch positions at the head of the group.

    Despite finishing first, however, there are plenty of concerns for Fernando Hierro’s men after a performance that was anything but convincing.

    Here we have the main talking points from a thrilling night in Kaliningrad.

    Spain escape again

    This World Cup has been anything but quiet for Spain.

    After entering into the campaign on the back of a shock managerial axing with Julen Lopetegui fired two days before the start of the tournament, they dropped two points to a late stunner from Cristiano Ronaldo, then squeezed past Iran with a fluke goal from Diego Costa and now needed a late, late equaliser from Iago Aspas to grab a point against Morocco.

    The goal was hugely controversial as Aspas met Dani Carvajal’s cross with a clever flick to score, only for the offside flag to be raised. Referee Ravshan Irmatov rightly called for a VAR review, which showed that Aspas was played fractionally onside by the heel of Morocco captain Mbark Boussoufa, and to the fury of the African side the goal was allowed to stand.

    It was also hugely important, because the point was enough to give Spain first place in the group ahead of Portugal by virtue of goals scored. That means La Roja will now face unfancied hosts Russia in the last 16, while Portugal face a much tougher task as they take on dangerous Uruguay.

    Having said that, judging by their progress so far Spain will find a way to make their meeting with Russia in Moscow on Sunday far more eventful than anyone might expect.

    Hierro slow to react

    One of the substitutions made by Fernando Hierro paid dividends in the end, with Aspas coming off the bench to score the crucial late equaliser. But the manner in which the interim boss made his changes – and managed the match in general – leaves plenty of question marks over his abilities to make quick enough adjustments from the sidelines.

    Early in the second half it was clear that Spain were struggling. They had lost the penetration they provided in the opening period as Diego Costa struggled to have any involvement, Andres Iniesta faded rapidly and David Silva endured a rare off night.

    But Hierro failed to react, not making any substitutions until the 74th minute, by which time Morocco had gathered confidence and soon went ahead. In the end Spain got lucky but Iniesta was clearly exhausted, Marco Asensio had no impact, and Isco became less significant after being moved wider. Against the big boys later in the tournament if Spain progress that far, they will be punished more heavily.


    Fragile at the back

    In addition to struggling to sustain attacking rhythm, Spain also struggled defensively. Sergio Ramos and Iniesta conspired to gift the opening goal to grateful Morocco striker Khalid Boutaib, who then nearly grabbed a second after Ramos and his defensive partner Gerard Pique both fell asleep from a throw in.

    By then, Pique should probably have already been sent off the pitch after throwing himself into a wild two-footed lunge on Boutaib which strangely went unpunished, and the highly questionable decision making of both Ramos and Pique throughout the game was on full display when they both attempted ridiculously ambitious long-range shots which flew miles off target.

    David De Gea also continues to look a worry, appearing to have been stuck onto his line with super glue and offering absolutely no command of his penalty area, while Sergio Busquets was occasionally outnumbered and overrun by Morocco’s aggressive midfield.

    Overall, with five goals conceded in three games, Spain’s defence is anything but impressive, and must tighten up if they want to seriously challenge.

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