MY ACCOUNT
Luis Enrique is in no doubt Spain can compete with the very best in the world after watching his side cruise past the Czech Republic 2-0 in the Nations League on Sunday.
Carlos Soler and Pablo Sarabia were on target in each half as La Roja moved top of Group A2 following Portugal’s 1-0 defeat to Switzerland.
The win, which stretched Spain’s unbeaten run to eight games, means their progress to the Nations League finals could be sealed before their final group game against Portugal.
Should they beat Switzerland in their penultimate game and Portugal lose to the Czech Republic, Spain will seal their place in the tournament.
Luis Enrique was pleased with his side’s display at La Rosaleda in Malaga, yet acknowledged there is room for improvement.
“I am very satisfied, how can I not be?” he said in a media conference.
“The rival has shown how good they are, in all aspects. We have been quite good, although we lacked some things.
“The atmosphere was wonderful, with lots of cheering and respect for the anthem of the rival. I hope it repeats itself and serves as an example.
“We are leaders and we have been good in general. Ask the rivals what they feel when playing with us. Surely we will compete [against anyone].”
Marco Asensio was particularly bright for Spain, teeing up Soler’s goal to move level with Jordi Alba as the joint-highest goal creator under Luis Enrique’s leadership (seven assists).
He played more key passes (three) than any other player on the pitch, and Luis Enrique says the fact he is not a regular starter at Real Madrid is not an issue.
“I always called him up when I saw him doing well,” he said. “Now he has been playing less. We like him and he knows it. There are no doubts with him.”
Unai Simon made important saves from Vaclav Cerny and Jan Kuchta before Soler’s opener, with Luis Enrique pleased at his goalkeeper’s decisiveness.
“He chose well in decision-making,” he added. “He gives us a lot with the ball in aerial aspects. He has been good.
“It gives me a lot of peace of mind, and I am the one who makes decisions. He has saved us and that’s what the goalkeeper is for.”
