1-3: Spain are in the quarterfinals but are not advancing

Closer to the fight for medals. Spain defeated the Dominican Republic in Bordeaux in another tough match in the small chicha and already have a ticket for the quarterfinals. Santi Denia’s team once again offered a bad image after a stressful debut against Uzbekistan. The most remarkable thing was the great performance of Fermín López, author of a goal and an assist.

The coach barely touched the eleven, forced to bring Juanlu Sánchez to the right side due to the starter’s muscular load. This is the only new thing in the lineup of the red team, a declaration of intentions from Santi Denia after the criticism received for the rivalry against Uzbekistan. The coach’s bet, in any case, does not seem to give the expected return due to the little football played by his team.

Spain rowed early in the game to overwhelm the Dominican Republic in its own half based on long possessions weighed down, yes, by a lack of depth from the three-quarter zone. Unai Gómez’s team did not give up playing and that was their condemnation.

Tempting his luck, the goalkeeper was careless in passing Omar de la Cruz and Fermín, smarter than anyone, expected to score the ball and make it 0-1 midway through the first half (24′). Finally the can is opened, the game seems to be downhill but it’s just a mirage.

With a goal against and unbeaten, the Dominican Republic took a step forward that surprised Spain, going without the ball for several stretches. In a set-piece play, fortunately with the forces evenly matched, Montes de la Oca leveled the contest with a corner that was poorly defended by Spain. The midfielder finished alone and Tenas, who was sold, did nothing to prevent a tie (38′).

The new scenario in Bordeaux and Spain forced to continue the initiative. The Caribbean team went through the best minutes but an incomprehensible attack from Azcona, who kicked Cubarsí in the groin from the ground, cost him a straight red card (45′) and left Ibai Gómez’s team in inferiority to all secondary parts ahead. The Barça centre-back will miss out due to the accumulation of yellow cards against Egypt.

Coming out of the locker room, Spain went to work to try to dismantle the Dominican wall as soon as possible. The ball circulation was still slow and predictable but La Rojita started to gather people inside the opposition area. Fermín and Baena are focused between the lines and the Caribbean spider web is finding it increasingly difficult to cover the cracks. Baena dares a shot from the edge of the area that hits Urbáez (55′).

Already with the advantage on the scoreboard, Spain denied any option to respond to a physically engaged rival. Santi Denia’s team smelled blood and monopolized the ball to settle in the balcony of the Bosl area. The entrances of Bernabé and especially Miguel Gutiérrez provided additional help to La Rojita. The winger attempted a long shot that rose to the first ball he touched in the contest and moments later he scored 1-3 with a pass from Fermín. After several minutes of evaluation for possible offside, VAR validated the goal (70′).

With the result guaranteed, Spain took off their clothes and thought about the upcoming commitments without looking at the rival goal.

A series of chances for La Rojita allowed them to extend the lead, but a lack of goals left things as they were. No more news from the Dominican Republic, which will boost its slim chances of getting past the group stage against Uzbekistan.

Now, with the quarterfinals on the horizon, Spain urgently needs to improve its game after two matches against inferior rivals ended in victories that did not remove the doubts. Egypt waits before the match for medals.