Spain (National Football)

Kepa Arrizabalaga has said he understands why Manchester United's David De Gea is sad after the Chelsea goalkeeper took his place in the Spain squad. 

De Gea has reigned as Spain's outright No. 1 choice in goal since 2016, but Spain manager Luis Enrique has started to pick Kepa ahead of the elder talent in recent matches.

The Blues keeper told reporters he was happy to have taken a more prominent role in the national team of late and sympathised with De Gea's plight, per Vaishali Bhardwaj of the Evening Standard:

"I'm going to continue working as I have until now, doing my best at my club to keep the confidence of the coach. Whoever plays will do very well.

"Of course I understand that David is sad, we all train to play and then it is the decision of the coach, and it is up to you to respond well.

"We are always surrounded by such controversies, but we must take it naturally. I'm happy to play, to help the team and to finish the season in the best way possible."

ESPN FC's Dermot Corrigan said that what first appeared to be an experiment now looked more settled after Kepa started in Monday's 3-0 UEFA Euro 2020 qualifying win over Sweden:

Kepa now started Spain's last three competitive games. Had seemed like maybe he was being given experience, but now looks very like De Gea is no longer first choice.

— Dermot Corrigan (@dermotmcorrigan) June 10, 2019

De Gea endured a difficult season at United as they finished fifth in the Premier League, with the Spaniard responsible for a series of out-of-character mistakes.

Former England and Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper Paul Robinson said during an appearance on beIN Sports that he felt Enrique made the correct decision dropping the 28-year-old:

David de Gea on the bench as Kepa Arrizabalaga starts in goal. @GKPaulRobinson doesn't blame the coach for making that call.#EURO2020 #EuropeanQualifiers #ESPSWE pic.twitter.com/TT0jUZIbqE

— beIN SPORTS (@beINSPORTS_EN) June 10, 2019

Kepa, 24, moved to Stamford Bridge from Athletic Bilbao last summer and had some difficult moments during his first season at the club. However, the Blues rallied to finish third in the Premier League under Maurizio Sarri, as well as winning the UEFA Europa League crown.

It ended as a satisfactory first season on English shores, and Squawka illustrated how the Basque talent was superior to his Premier League rival in some key areas:

COMPARED: Kepa Arrizabalaga vs. David de Gea in the Premier League in 2018-19:

Games played: 36-38
Save-percentage: 67.8%-69.0%
Clean sheets: 14-7
Goals conceded per 90: 2.3-3.2
Saves per 90: 1.9-1.8
Errors leading to shots: 2-4#AskSquawka @kweku_Tunechi pic.twitter.com/Mfn93gWKkC

— Squawka (@Squawka) May 12, 2019

The 2019-20 season will be underway by the time Spain resume Euro 2020 qualification against Romania in September, by which point Kepa or De Gea could have significantly changed their circumstances.

Kepa is seen by many as the future of Spain's No. 1 jersey, but De Gea will be eager to take back control of the national team's starting role following a forgettable period in his career.

Spain extended their lead at the top of UEFA Euro 2020 qualifying Group F after they beat Sweden 3-0 at the Estadio Bernabeu on Monday to remain perfect and go five points clear.  

Sergio Ramos converted from 12 yards after Sebastian Larsson's hand-ball inside the box gave Spain a much-needed opener.

Alvaro Morata tucked away a penalty of his own after Filip Helander bundled the forward over inside his box, shortly before substitute Mikel Oyarzabal netted his first senior international goal to make it three in the 87th minute.

Manager Luis Enrique handed a first international start to Napoli midfielder Fabian Ruiz, while Athletic Bilbao's Inigo Martinez returned to partner Sergio Ramos at centre-back. Chelsea stopper Kepa Arrizabalaga came in for David De Gea between the posts.

Janne Andersson started AIK playmaker Larsson for his 113th international cap, moving him within two appearances of Bjorn Nordqvist in eighth on Sweden's list of all-time most capped players.

Spain were denied the opener when Ruiz coaxed a photo-worthy save out of Sweden goalkeeper Robin Olsen, who went on to make a series of good saves under fierce Spanish pressure.

Eurosport posted a snapshot of the AS Roma stopper's save from Fabian:

Olsen keeping Spain at bay 📸👐

Follow #ESPSWE here: https://t.co/RD48LgiJs2 pic.twitter.com/fm4sk57CPq

— Cycling on TNT Sports (@cyclingontnt) June 10, 2019

Dani Parejo was incorrectly ruled offside when he set up Rodrigo Moreno for a would-be opener in the 16th minute. The Valencia star got in behind the Swedish line to the right byline and side-footed in for Rodrigo to convert from close in, and replays showed defenders on the far side played Parejo on.

The hosts proceeded to build a great advantage in possession and attempts at goal, but the Swedish defence stood firm.

Jordi Alba's tussle with Viktor Claesson earned him a yellow card and resulted in the midfielder going off with an apparent knee injury after a lengthy pause.

Despite racking up 12 attempts on the opposition goal compared to Sweden's two at half-time, Spain were unable to find the breakthrough.

The Bernabeu's unimpressive attendance didn't help the hosts, per The Spanish Football Podcast:

Halftime at the Bernabeu. Slow start (not helped by half-empty stadium), really livened up 15 mins in, Olsen saving 4 times in quick succession. Then the game started to drift again. Spain lots of possession. Sweden quite limited. 0-0. pic.twitter.com/OiaPnZfQDt

— The Spanish Football Podcast (@tsf_podcast) June 10, 2019

Fan account Swede Stats broke Spain's pressure on the visiting defence into numbers:

Robin Olsen with 4 saves in the first half. Pontus Jansson with 8 clearances and Filip Helander with 4.

— 🇸🇪 (@SwedeStats) June 10, 2019

Sweden's barriers finally fell in the 62nd minute, however, and it was veteran Larsson whose raised arms in his own area clipped Parejo's cross and gave Spain their opening. 

Ramos retained penalty duties and dispatched the spot-kick to Olsen's right. Journalist Dermot Corrigan lauded the central defender's superb scoring record this season:

Ramos 18 goals in 51 games for club and country in 2018/19. 3 headers and 8 penalties with Madrid, four headers and three penalties with Spain - via @pedritonumeros

— Dermot Corrigan (@dermotmcorrigan) June 10, 2019

The Real Madrid talisman now has 20 international goals and at least four more goals than any other player in Enrique's current squad, Morata being closest with 16.

And it was Morata who cut that lead back to four after Helander clumsily tangled legs with the striker. The Chelsea frontman followed Ramos' lead in scoring from the spot, and it wasn't long before Oyarzabal—on in place of Rodrigo—joined in the action.

Fabian drove toward goal and passed to Oyarzabal near the edge of Sweden's area, where he cut onto his left and curled in past Olsen. Corrigan praised both contributors to the goal:

Parejo probably Spain's best player, but they still look very much a work in progress. Would like to see more of Oyarzabal and Fabian did pretty well / deserves more time there.

— Dermot Corrigan (@dermotmcorrigan) June 10, 2019

Spain's hold on possession was less dominant in the second half but still accounted for more than 60 percent, with the home side endeavouring hard at the back to repel Sweden's few clear-cut chances.

Marcus Berg struggled for service as a lone striker for periods, and most Swedish movements were cut down before they could build numbers around the box.

Romania are the only team Spain have yet to face in Group F, where Enrique's men now look like shoo-ins to at least secure one of the two automatic qualifying spots.

       

What's Next?

Euro 2020 qualifying resumes in September when Spain will visit Romania and Sweden travel to face the Faroe Islands.

     

This article will be updated to provide more information soon.

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Spain defeated the Faroe Islands 4-1 on the road in Group F qualification for the 2020 UEFA European Championship on Friday.

The hosts gave a plucky display, but their illustrious visitors scored three in the first half.

Sergio Ramos broke the deadlock after only five minutes, and Jesus Navas added a second after 19 minutes.

There was a rare moment of goal-scoring joy for the home side as Klaemint Olsen found the back of the net after 30 minutes.

However, an own goal from Faroese stopper Teitur Gestsson all but killed the game three minutes later.

Jose Gaya made it 4-1 with 19 minutes remaining as the Spanish cantered past the winning post.

                

Faroe Islands Fight But Spain Collect The Win

There was little doubt who would win this game. However, the home team did themselves proud as they worked as hard as they could.

Ramos' opener was expected. The skipper met Isco's cross and planted a trademark header past Gestsson.

The goal did not open the floodgates, but the Spanish played within their capabilities throughout the contest.

Navas continued to roll back the years as the forward made it 2-0 soon after, and Spain knew the points were already secure.

However, the moment of the match came as Klaemint Olsen scored for the hosts, and their supporters celebrated one of the finest football moments for their country.

The UEFA Nations League highlighted the finish:

When you score against 2010 world champions Spain...

🇫🇴 Klæmint Olsen 💪#EURO2020 pic.twitter.com/tXrpQhSeSt

— UEFA EURO (@UEFAEURO) June 7, 2019

The Faroese joy lasted just three minutes. A shot from Isco was agonisingly deflected into his own net by 'keeper Gestsson.

It was an unfortunate moment for the hosts as they dreamed of a shook comeback against the Spanish.

When Gaya made it four with a clinical chip in the latter stages, the Faroe Islands had emptied the tank and had nothing more to give.

Spain dominated possession as they do against most opponents and were happy to retreat and hold the ball for the final 20 minutes.

                                   

What's Next

Both nations feature again in Euro 2020 qualifying on Monday. Spain are set to host Sweden, with the Faroe Islands entertaining Norway.

Luis Enrique will not take charge of Spain's UEFA Euro 2020 qualifier on Tuesday for family reasons.

The Spanish Football Federation (h/t Marca) said in a statement: "We inform you of the absence of our coach Luis Enrique for the match tonight as a result of major family reasons. We call for discretion and respect for his privacy." 

In his absence, assistant manager Robert Moreno will take charge of La Roja.

Spain captain Sergio Ramos tweeted a message of support to Enrique:

Míster, sentimos muchísimo la noticia. Esperamos que todo salga lo mejor posible. Que sepas que el equipo está contigo a muerte y hoy dará la cara para conseguir una buena victoria. La familia es sagrada. Ganaremos también por vosotros. Mucha fuerza y ánimo. Fuerte abrazo.

— Sergio Ramos (@SergioRamos) March 26, 2019

Per Marca, he said:

"Coach, we're sorry to hear about this news. We hope it all turns out as well as possible.

"Know that the team is with you to the death and that we'll show up today to earn a good victory.

"Family is sacred. We'll win for you as well. Sending strength and support and a hug."

Ramos scored a penalty as Spain got their Euro 2020 qualification campaign off to a winning start against Norway on Saturday after Joshua King had cancelled out Rodrigo's opener.

Enrique took charge after the FIFA World Cup last summer, and La Roja got off to a good start as they beat England and Croatia in their first two UEFA Nations League matches.

However, they failed to top their group after losing to the Three Lions and the World Cup finalists in their last two games, allowing the former to secure top spot ahead of them.

Against Norway, Robbie Dunne of AS saw signs of former Barcelona boss Enrique attempting to change the team's style:

Some liquid football from Spain so far. Luis Enrique wants a far more direct team, it looks like. Moving the ball around and then forward really quickly.

— Robbie Dunne (@robbiejdunne) March 23, 2019

ESPN's David Cartlidge thought Spain played well, aside from their finishing:

That tension at the end wasn't necessary. First half chances then Morata header and Asensio chip later on. Spain won't get away with that at a major tournament, as they know very well now.

— David Cartlidge (@davidjaca) March 23, 2019

Enrique's absence is hardly ideal, but La Roja should have relatively little trouble against Malta on Tuesday as they look to continue their perfect start.

They're likely to have plenty of opportunities in front of goal, so they'll hope to build confidence in the final third with a clinical performance.

Spain manager Luis Enrique defended Alvaro Morata after a wasteful performance in Spain's 2-1 win over Norway on Saturday.

The striker failed to find the net from six efforts on goal in the UEFA Euro 2020 qualifier, but Enrique said he has improved since leaving Chelsea for Atletico Madrid on loan in January.

Per AS, he said:

"I see him much better than when he was at Chelsea. He has been always great with us but now he is more decisive, keeping the ball at the end of this match for example. He did that with confidence.

"He had many chances and he was where he had to be. He wasn't lucky enough but he had a great match, his best match with us so far."

Rodrigo broke the deadlock at the Mestalla Stadium with his 16th-minute opener. After Josh King had equalised from the penalty spot in the second half, Sergio Ramos netted the winner with a spot-kick of his own.

Morata failed to capitalise on multiple opportunities, many of which came to him in the air, though he did win Ramos' penalty after he beat Norway goalkeeper Rune Jarstein in a race to the ball (U.S. only):

"A mixed night for Morata you have to say... "

Although he did win the penalty that Sergio Ramos converted for the match-winner; in front of goal against Norway, Alvaro Morata was found wanting...#Morata #ESPNOR #OptusSport pic.twitter.com/A9jMbbliKA

— Optus Sport (@OptusSport) March 24, 2019

The striker is enduring a dry spell on the international stage:

Álvaro Morata has not been directly involved in a single goal in his last five games for Spain:

❌ vs. Wales
❌ vs. England
❌ vs. Croatia
❌ vs. Bosnia
❌ vs. Norway

His joint-worst run for Country. pic.twitter.com/6Qi12P0OKh

— Squawka (@Squawka) March 24, 2019

ESPN UK's David Cartlidge remarked on Spain's profligacy in front of goal against Norway:

That tension at the end wasn't necessary. First half chances then Morata header and Asensio chip later on. Spain won't get away with that at a major tournament, as they know very well now.

— David Cartlidge (@davidjaca) March 23, 2019

The 26-year-old has had a difficult time since he joined Chelsea in 2017. Morata scored 24 goals in 72 appearances for the Blues, who will have been hoping for a greater return on their £60 million investment.

Morata was allowed to return to Spanish football in January, and he has contributed three goals and an assist in eight appearances for Atletico.

Spain should have little trouble qualifying automatically for Euro 2020. They need to finish in the top two slots of a group comprised of Norway, Sweden, Malta, Romania and Faroe Islands.

However, for all the talent available to Enrique, winning Euro 2020 will be very difficult if they're as wasteful as they were on Saturday—better teams than Norway will punish them if they fail to take their chances.

Enrique will need to do his best to boost Morata's confidence in the meantime, but he might also need to explore other options if the side continue to lack a cutting edge.

Spain kicked off their 2020 European Championship qualifying campaign with a 2-1 win over Norway on Saturday at Valencia's Mestalla Stadium.

The hosts completely dominated the first half, but a combination of poor finishing and great goalkeeping from Norway's Rune Jarstein meant they only went in 1-0 up at the break.

Rodrigo was the man to break the deadlock for Spain. The Valencia striker swept home the opener on 16 minutes after a low cross into the penalty area from Jordi Alba.

The chances continued to flow after the break, but Spain could not add to their lead.

They were made to pay for their profligacy just after the hour mark when Norway were awarded a penalty for a foul by Inigo Martinez on Stefan Johansen.

Joshua King made no mistake from the spot, beating goalkeeper David De Gea with a powerful low strike into the bottom corner.

Spain quickly restored their lead with a penalty of their own six minutes later after Jarstein had upended Alvaro Morata.

Captain Sergio Ramos stepped up and produced yet another Panenka to secure the win for the hosts.

    

Spain's Lack of Cutting Edge Should Worry Luis Enrique

Manager Luis Enrique went for an attack consisting of Rodrigo, Morata and Marco Asensio against Norway, and while the hosts created plenty of chances, they were extremely wasteful in front of goal.

Morata and Rodrigo linked up well together, and the Atletico Madrid striker had a hat-trick of headed opportunities in the first half but could not beat Jarstein.

Rodrigo ought to have added to his opener before the break. The Valencia striker was on the end of a gorgeous team move but could only fire wide from close range:

Spain nearly score an absolutely stunning team goal, but Rodrigo just scuffs the final shot past the post.

— AS USA (@English_AS) March 23, 2019

The chances continued to flow for Spain after the break. Morata wasted two good opportunities before Ramos came flying in at the far post and side-footed the ball over the bar from close range.

Sports journalist Robbie Dunne offered his view:

Really impressed with the chances Morata and Rodrigo have had and some champagne football but they really need to finish one of them.

— Robbie Dunne (@robbiejdunne) March 23, 2019

Norway's equaliser saw Spain increase their attacking intensity, but their finishing remained wayward.

They were gifted the lead when Jarstein came flying out of his goal and crashed into Morata, leaving the referee no choice but to point to the spot.

Ramos made no mistake with his spot-kick to continue his fine goalscoring form:

Sergio Ramos scores in his fifth consecutive international 🇪🇸🔥 pic.twitter.com/D1tUI9yjV5

— B/R Football (@brfootball) March 23, 2019

Spain should have won more comfortably, and Asensio scooped a late chance over the bar when he really ought to have done better.

Enrique will be relieved to have opened the campaign with a victory, but Spain's lack of cutting edge will concern their manager ahead of Tuesday's trip to Malta.

    

Jesus Navas Deserves to Keep Right-Back Spot

Enrique's decision to employ 33-year-old Jesus Navas at right-back raised eyebrows ahead of kick-off, but the Sevilla star fully justified his inclusion with an accomplished display:

It's 2019 and Jesus Navas is starting for Spain. At right-back. 🧐🧐🧐 https://t.co/OFhKgye46X

— Oliver Young-Myles (@OMyles90) March 23, 2019

The veteran has spent most of his career as a winger but did not look out of place in defence and showed no signs of rustiness despite not having played for the national team in five years:

1844 - Jesus Navas will play his first game for Spain since March 2014 against Italy, 1844 days ago. Return. pic.twitter.com/DHvMzWQRG4

— OptaJose (@OptaJose) March 23, 2019

Navas may have celebrated his 33rd birthday in November, but he also shows no signs of slowing down.

His speed and willingness to get forward and join the attack down the right flank were evident throughout the match.

He also produced some quality delivery into the box for Morata and Moreno and was rarely troubled defensively by a timid Norway.

Spain now head to Malta for their second fixture in the group, a match Enrique's side will again be expected to win comfortably.

Navas has shown he fully deserves to keep his place in the team and could prove to be a useful option for Enrique throughout Spain's qualifying campaign.

      

What's Next?

Both teams play their second Euro 2020 qualifier on Tuesday. Spain are away in Malta, while Norway host Sweden in Oslo.

Spain and Norway begin their 2020 UEFA European Championship qualifying campaigns in Group F on Saturday.

Valencia's Mestalla Stadium will host the match, with Spain hoping to repeat their phenomenal past success in the tournament.

La Roja have won two of the last three European Championship titles, but they crashed out to Italy in the round of 16 at the last tournament.

Norway have not qualified for the finals since 2000 but are guaranteed at least a play-off berth in this competition due to their successful performance in the UEFA Nations League.

                   

Date: Saturday, March 22

Time: 7:45 p.m. GMT/3:45 p.m. ET

TV Info: Sky Sports Football (UK); ESPN, Univision (U.S.)

Live Stream: Sky Go (UK); WatchESPN, Univision NOW (U.S.)

Odds: Spain: 2-11, Norway: 16-1, draw: 6-1 (via Oddschecker)

                   

Preview

The failure of Spain in recent major tournaments is not a reflection of the talent they possess.

The Spanish crawled through the group phase at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, and then they were shocked by the hosts as they went out on penalties.

Defeat in Moscow was hard to swallow, but after the acrimonious departure of coach Julen Lopetegui on the eve of the tournament, a lack of performance was not a surprise.

Spain have fresh leadership under Luis Enrique, and the former Barcelona coach has a depth of experience.

Both nations enter their first Euro 2020 qualifying game in varying form. The Spanish suffered a pair of 3-2 defeats in the Nations League, with Croatia and England getting the better of La Roja.

The Norwegians have lost two of the last five but won their final Nations League game 2-0 at Cyprus.

Norway won Group C3 as a result, and they will travel to Valencia with a spring in their step despite the undeniable calibre of their opponents.

The Lions will likely employ a tough rear-guard action against Spain.

Enrique has picked an experimental squad for this game as he tests out La Liga's form talent.

Per Reuters (via MailOnline), Thiago Alcantara, Saul Niguez, Koke and Isco missed out on selection, with Sergi Gomez, Sergio Canales and Jaime Mata surprise additions. Iker Muniain also returns to the international arena after a seven-year absence.

The game will be a huge opportunity for a number of lesser-known Spanish players.

Isco and Diego Costa are among the players to miss out on places in Luis Enrique's Spain squad to face Norway and Malta in the upcoming UEFA Euro 2020 qualifiers. 

Enrique announced his selection on Friday, which includes Alvaro Morata and Getafe striker Jaime Mata as attacking options:

⚠ OFICIAL | Lista de convocados para los próximos partidos ante Noruega y Malta. ¡Comenzamos nuestro camino hacia la #EURO2020! #UnidosPorUnRETO pic.twitter.com/32xVAzXwtk

— Selección Española Masculina de Fútbol (@SEFutbol) March 15, 2019

ESPN's David Cartlidge was quick to note those absent from the squad, and some new faces:

Omissions from the squad include Isco, Koke, Saúl. Major changes in midfield essentially. Form of Parejo and particularly Canales has been outstanding. pic.twitter.com/Wij8cYzZAG

— David Cartlidge (@davidjaca) March 15, 2019

It is perhaps no surprise that Isco is missing after he fell out of favour at Real Madrid under Santiago Solari.

The Argentinian was relieved of his duties on Monday but gave Isco just 15 appearances during his four-month reign, with only one start.

As for Costa, he is still yet to make an appearance for Spain under Enrique. On this occasion, his fitness could be the cause of his exclusion, though, as he has missed Atletico Madrid's last three matches through injury.

In his place, team-mate Morata has been given the nod having scored three goals and an assist in his last three La Liga matches.

Meanwhile, Mata has been one of La Liga's in-form players, per Spanish football journalist Sid Lowe:

| #LaLiga |

Jaime Mata is on fire 🔥

He has been involved in more goals than any other Spanish player in Europe’s top 5 leagues… pic.twitter.com/DYRQAZ5Kex

— ELEVEN Football (@ElevenSportsFB) March 13, 2019

ESPN's Dermot Corrigan was pleased to see Real Betis' Sergio Canales and Sevilla's Sergi Gomez:

Canales inclusion in Spain squad richly deserved but also Sergi Gómez - been really good for Sevilla this season, even with team's difficult moments

— Dermot Corrigan (@dermotmcorrigan) March 15, 2019

The pair, along with Mata, could make their debuts for La Roja in the upcoming games.

After watching his side lose 3-2 in back-to-back matches against England and Croatia in their final two UEFA Nations League games last year—defeats that saw them miss out on a place in this summer's finals—it seems Enrique was eager to freshen things up with his latest selection.

Should the new players impress and get Spain's European Championship qualifying off to a good start, those left out could find it difficult to get back into the side during the next international break.