Football

Enrique in awe of Spain’s demolition of Germany

Spain’s coach Luis Enrique speaks during a press conference at the Olympiyskiy stadium in Kiev on October 12, 2020 on the eve of the UEFA Nations League football match between Ukraine and Spain. (Photo by Sergei SUPINSKY / AFP)


Spain coach Luis Enrique has praised his charges after La Furia Roja delivered a masterclass in dismantling Germany 6-0 in the UEFA Nations League on Tuesday 
The Spaniards secured UEFA Nations League progression following the lopsided victory which Enrique has dubbed the best performance under his reign.
The Asturian also discussed the injury sustained by captain Sergio Ramos revealing that it may not be as serious as first feared.
Ferran Torres scored a hat-trick while Alvaro Morata, Rodri and Mikel Oyarzabal also grabbed goals in a remarkable match on Tuesday, meaning Spain top Group A4 ahead of their opponents.
It was Spain’s first win in four matches, Luis Enrique’s side having drawn successive matches against Switzerland and the Netherlands on the back of a 1-0 defeat to Ukraine.
However, victory in Seville was never in doubt as they dominated from start to finish, amassing 23 attempts to Germany’s two and controlling 69.7 per cent of the possession.
Neither of Germany’s efforts were on target, with Spain the first side since France in November 2015 to prevent Joachim Low’s side from hitting the target at all in a match.
“Well, the game went perfectly. Everyone plugged in and hit the mark,” former Barcelona coach Luis Enrique told reporters.
“Germany has brought out its best team and I think that from the beginning we have played very well, and it is one of the best and most complete matches of the national team.
“In the previous matches we were superior, but we had no prize. It will be nice to play in the final four.
“These players can represent Spain well. We have a group of 30 players who perform very well. Our forwards have a lot of quality, and I wish we had a player who scored a lot of goals, but today we have seen several players score.”
The only disappointment for Spain was first-half injuries sustained by Sergio Canales and Ramos, both suffering hamstring problems.
Though unable to confirm a definite timeframe on Ramos’ return, Luis Enrique offered hope that the Real Madrid defender will not be out for too long.
“The injuries are minor and I hope they are out for a short time,” he added.
“It is what I feel the most, because I have been a club coach and I put myself in their place.”


Sammy Wejinya

Recent Posts

World trail athletes aiming for the Top of the Table in RMB Ultra-trail Cape Town

The eyes of the trail world will be focused on the southern tip of Africa…

24 hours ago

Marathon magic in New York and Soweto

Competitive racing was the order of the day at the TCS New York City Marathon…

2 weeks ago

Mainz 05 Coaches Inspire Youth at Totalsport Safe-Hub in Johannesburg’s Alexandra

A coaching team from Bundesliga club 1.FSV Mainz 05 has visited the Totalsport Safe-Hub in…

3 weeks ago

Spotlight on African basketball talent and milestones as NBA’s 2024/25 season takes off

An NBA season packed with African talent and colourful courts is underway, with games available…

3 weeks ago

Tsitsikamma and Trail Running – setting the gold standard for inclusive conservation

Victor Mokoena and his team in the Tsitsikamma section of the Garden Route National Park…

4 weeks ago

Xaba and Tola re-write the record books at Sanlam’s Cape Town Marathon

Rising Ethiopian marathon star, Abdisa Tola, and South Africa’s running great, Glenrose ‘Supercharger’ Xaba, created…

1 month ago