'Strong attacking presence' - Tottenham and Crystal Palace stars feature as national side equal record
A Crystal Palace and a Tottenham star featured for Spain in a convincing win on Tuesday night.
A Tottenham player and a Crystal Palace star were handed starts for their nation on Tuesday night for a 4-0 World Cup qualifying victory. Spain made easy work of Bulgaria to remain in charge of their qualifying group, sitting three points ahead of Türkiye with two games to play.
Mikel Merino scored twice and Mikel Oyarzabal also scored after an own goal. The European champions have not booked their spot at the US/Canada/Mexico World Cup just yet, but they are looking good to complete the job in November, and they will be one of the favourites to win the biggest prize of them all.
Tottenham star Pedro Porro started for Spain at right-back, and he was awarded a 6.5/10 by Marca for his efforts, who reasoned: “Another opportunity for the Spurs full-back, awaiting any competition from Carvajal. He provided a strong attacking presence against a dedicated opponent. A good arrival as soon as the match restarted, with a back pass for Baena to arrive.”
Elsewhere, Crystal Palace’s summer signing Yeremy Pino came off the bench to play on the left wing in the 63rd minute, replacing former Villarreal teammate Alex Baena.
He earned a 7/10 after a lively display, with the report adding: “Located on the left wing, the spot previously occupied by Baena, he went for it twice from the edge of the box, first with a volley after a corner rebound and then with a curling effort that didn't quite work out. He set up the play for the third goal with Aleix.”
De La Fuente pleased with La Roja
Speaking after the game, Spain boss Luis De La Fuente said: “We knew it was going to be a game of hard work against a team that defended very well and played at a high level. I'm very happy with the performance of all the players. We have two games left and we have to think about Georgia , but we're not qualified yet. We want much more,"
He added: "For me, it's still another stellar team. We're privileged to have three or four competitive starting elevens. I want to congratulate them on their performance and their commitment."
The win means De La Fuente and Spain have equalled the 29-game unbeaten record set by Vicente del Bosque and his superstar team between 2010 that went on to win the 2010 World Cup and Euro 2012 having already won Euro 2008 under Luis Aragonés.
"I especially want to congratulate the players who are the architects of this milestone,” said De La Fuente. “But we want more and we're not satisfied. I'm happy, but that wasn't what we had in mind; we just wanted to qualify for the World Cup.”
“We are a product of what we have inherited at a family and sporting level. Since 2008, with Luis, and then with Del Bosque, they have left a legacy that helps footballers. Culturally, they know this history, and that motivates us greatly. When you give them the incentive to compete, they become even more motivated.”
Spain have the chance to set a new record by remaining unbeaten in the next international window, in November.