Spain have established themselves as favorites to win the gold medal in their first appearance at the Olympic Games. The squad managed by Montse Tomé are still undefeated and have advanced to the quarterfinals after defeating Japan, Nigeria and Brazil in the group stage.
The phrase “steady growth” is perhaps the best description for the group stage of the Spanish National Team in their olympic debut. ‘La Roja’ have only conceded a goal in their first three fixtures and it happened be in the opening match against Japan. With everything against them, the Spaniards turned a tough match around thanks to the goals of Aitana Bonmatí and Mariona Caldentey.
Getting thrashed by Japan in the 2023 World Cup was also a critical moment that changed the momentum in favor of the Spanish side, as they went on to win it all. And it seems like the same might happen in these Olympic Games, as the Spaniards are getting back to peak form after getting revenge on the Japanese. The excessive load of matches seemed to affect the squad before the competition started, but the work of the coaching staff and the rotations seem to be having a positive effect.
It is hard to outline a single name within the roster in this group stage, but the feeling of safety of Cata Coll in goal and the return of the best version of Alexia Putellas cannot, without a shadow of a doubt, be overlooked.The ‘azulgrana’ goalkeeper made some critical saves against Japan and, in addition, has performed impecably by keeping clean sheets against both Nigeria and Brazil. However, the keeper raised concern in the last match as she seemed to get dizzy, thus having to be replaced by Misa Rodríguez.
‘The Queen’ Alexia Putellas is back and her amazing goals against Nigeria and Brazil, which can only be deemed that of a work of art, are clear proof of it. She struggled to get into rithm against Japan, but when Spain needed her the most, she performed her magic in order to start the play of the first goal. Against the Nigerians, she scored an impressive free kick that deserves to be watched over and over again. She also did it with five minutes left to be played and while the match was tied.
Alexia Putellas and Aitana Bonmatí make a duo that allows Barça, and now Spain, to dream. Both of them complement each other to perfection and are the compass of this team. In the third match against Brazil, Montse Tomé decided to make rotations and give them some time to rest. The decision paid off, as both of them entered the pitch in the last 30 minutes to break the scoreless tie.
Athenea started things off by taking advantage of a mistake made by the opposing defense, while Alexia struck a left-footed shot from the edge of the box to extend the lead in stoppage time. Another superb goal from the two-time Ballon d’Or winner.
Spain display really good football with the ball in their possession. It does not matter who is playing, all of them bring something to the table. It seemed like the absence of captain Irene Paredes in the last match could take a toll on the team, but Laia Codina and Laia Aleixandri understood eachother to perfection and were an absolute wall. The latter has played every minute at a high level and proved that her place in the Spanish National Team is in the center of the defensive line.
If something had to be criticized about the performance of the squad in the group stage, it could be the lack of higher scoring numbers. Spain have accustomed us to scoring and, this time around, they are struggling to create chances down the middle. The team is finding it hard to connect with Salma Paralluelo, who seems to be nowhere to be found. The group have not fallen apart at any point in time and are taking advantage of the speed of their wings. Any elite side needs to have alternatives, especially when opponents are studying you more for being the best team in the world.
Spain will face Colombia in the quarterfinals this saturday, the third of August at 17:00. The Spanish side are a step closer to the desired medal, but it is also true that teams like the United States will make the path to achieve it far from easy.
‘La Roja’ have already shown what they can do and proven that they are almost invincible when playing at their best.
Translated by Nuño Alonso.
Main image: @SEFutbolFem.
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