The knockout rounds have a habit of sorting pretenders from contenders, and on a sun drenched afternoon on the Pacific coast, Spain reminded us exactl...
The knockout rounds have a habit of sorting pretenders from contenders, and on a sun drenched afternoon on the Pacific coast, Spain reminded us exactly who they are. Luis de la Fuente demanded his side be recognisably Spanish against Austria, and they delivered a performance that was almost perfect in its execution. This was not merely a 3. 0 victory to book a last 16 meeting with Portugal or Croatia. It was a statement of intent from a team that has too often flattered to deceive on the biggest stage.Mikel Oyarzabal bagged a brace, Pedro Porro chipped in with a goal, and the rhythm of their passing was unmistakable. They played with the kind of swagger that defined the great Spanish sides of old, but with a directness that suggests they have learned the lessons of their recent past. For a nation that has not won a knockout tie since lifting the trophy in 2010, the psychological barrier was as significant as the tactical one. De la Fuente called it almost perfect, and for the first time in a long while, neutrals might be tempted to agree.Meanwhile, Switzerland are quietly going about their business with the menace of a side that knows its way around a tournament. Their victory over Algeria was ominously comfortable, built around the raw talent of Freiburg's Johan Manzambi. The 20 year old forward tore the Algerian defence apart to set up Breel Embolo's opener, and you can bet Newcastle United are scrambling to finalise a deal before his price tag becomes truly absurd. The secret is well and truly out on this lad, and he looks ready to gatecrash the party in a big way.Over the horizon, Portugal await their fate after a night of VAR drama that had everyone on the edge of their seats. The draw with Spain promises to be a cracker, two stylistically gifted nations with everything to prove. But for now, let us savour the fact that Spain have finally remembered how to win when it matters. The group stage is something you have to endure, but as Lamine Yamal said, the World Cup starts here. And Spain, at long last, have decided to show up.
