Belarus vs. Spain: Score, Grades and Reaction from Euro 2016 Qualifier
It was a simple night's work for Spain on Sunday—as they strolled past Belarus in their Euro 2016 qualifier, winning 1-0.
Manchester City's David Silva grabbed the only goal of the game, which keeps his side on track in Group C.
Spain started the game with Alvaro Morata in the striker's role, with a sumptuous supporting attack of Silva and Barcelona's Pedro flanking him. The former world champions also left David de Gea on the bench, surprisingly giving the calamitous Iker Casillas the No. 1 jersey.
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The visitors started in their familiar style, knocking the ball around with consummate ease and style. Pedro and Cesc Fabregas were at the heart of the early attacks as one-way traffic dictated the flow.
Morata's movement pinned Belarus back into their third of the pitch, allowing the Spanish to keep possession in the danger areas. This prompted the home crowd to whistle every Spain pass with gusto, as their team tried to resist the pressure.
Sergio Ramos twice had good chances from headers but failed to convert, with Silva becoming an increasing influence through the half.
ESPN's Dermot Corrigan highlighted Spain's strength in territory but spoke about their lack of cutting edge:
Spanish football writer Chris Moar commented about the improved performance of Jordi Alba and his influence at both ends of the pitch:
"Jordi Alba has been excellent in this half. Consistently turns up for Spain and dominates his flank - massively improved in defence, too.
— Chris (@MoarFootball) June 14, 2015"
"I say this as someone who's always been Alba's biggest critic, too. His last 18 months has seen him go from liability to one of the best LBs
— Chris (@MoarFootball) June 14, 2015"
Spain finally made the breakthrough on the stroke of half-time, as Silva slammed the ball through a crowd of Belarus players into the net.
The City attacker found himself free six yards from goal at the far post, and he swivelled to make the finish.
Squawka.com hailed the player's strike and record:
Belarus began the second half in a much more positive fashion—displaying some verve in the middle of the park. However, they rarely troubled Casillas in goal, as Spain lost some of their shape from the opening half of the game.
Sergei Kornilenko had his country's best chance during this period, but the Real Madrid veteran goalkeeper smothered his effort.
Belarus increased their physicality as the game progressed, and it clearly had an effect on Spain as they looked unsettled and discombobulated.
The Spanish then made a tactical change, bringing off the less effective Fabregas for the brilliant Isco. There was a real lack of urgency from Spain in the last 15 minutes of the match, and they did their best to turn the game into a boring finale.
Silva was still his country's best chance of a second goal—but his team-mates never seemed as enthused as him in the final moments. Spain saved their best piece of passing until the 83rd minute, as they carved the Belarus defence to pieces, with the goalkeeper denying Silva.
Belarus attempted to break out of their half in the closing seconds, but the Spanish midfield picked them off with ease.
Spain had earned the win—although not in a spectacular fashion—but they were clearly the better team on Sunday night, despite Belarus' effort.
Relevant Player Grades
David Silva: B+
It was an excellent performance by the midfielder, who played in a more attacking role for his country. Silva was Spain's best player on the night and always looked dangerous in and around the penalty area.
Alvaro Morata: B-
It was a strong showing from the Juventus player, but his influence waned as Spain lost their drive and motivation.
Sergei Kornilenko: D
It was a poor night for Belarus in the attacking third, but Kornilenko gave his side an outlet in the second half as they looked for an equaliser.
Post-Match Reaction
Spain manager Vicente del Bosque was satisfied with his team's contribution on Sunday night and stressed the three points were all that mattered to him, as covered by FootballEspana.net:
"We lacked precision in the final third but controlled the game well. Barring the first 15 minutes of the second half, we gave away very little. However, we’ve added three more points that allow us to stay in a good position in the group. We’ve taken another step towards France.
We play Slovakia in September and I’ve been working with a broad range of players. Since our last World Cup match against Australia, seven new players have come in. All my players are definite starters for their clubs and playing at the top of their game.
"
The win leaves Spain in second place in Group C, three points behind leaders Slovakia after six matches.
