Dan Thomas, Ale Moreno, Craig Burley and Don Hutchison react to Spain’s 1-0 win over Italy that featured an own goal from Riccardo Calafiori. ✔ Subscribe to ESPN+: espnplus.com/so... ✔ Subscribe to ESPN FC on RU-vid: bit.ly/SUBSCRIB...
I just love the way they play. Not negative or conservative, just total domination. Attack or recycling possession, transition or soaking pressure. They have that balance in their game too. I don't care if they win the tournament, I just hope they go farther so I can keep watching them.
Nico was a beast today. He should go to Man City or Liverpool. Barca needs to get themselves together first before I trust them with a talent like this again.
Spain are on a completely different level to England. Watching Spain play makes it very clear that English players do not have the sustained composure to play a dominant possession game against quality opposition. It’s not just a matter of retreating after taking the lead, English players just do not have the mentality to keep the ball like the Spanish do. The difference is night and day when you watch the two sides play.
Why is this a surprise? Spanish, German and French managers, fans and players are intelligent, speak many languages and are technically gifted. English players, managers and fans are all working class and inherently uneducated, can't even speak their own language and are technically inept. This is why the world mocks them.
People seem to forget that Spain is the country with the most Euros. She has very rarely been a favorite, but she knows how to compete like no one else. In addition to having played in the last two Nations League finals
This team has been being built for the last 2 years. The new pieces are finalizing a winning machine. If this team scores goals, no one will be able beat them….
@@swager992 France is not a better team than Germany and Spain. France exploits its indvidual talents which are huge, but you would never place France on a list of the most impressive football teams ever.
Spaniard here. No point in celebrating anything now. It's a long tourney. A bad game in the round of 16 or quarter-finals and we go home and all the talk ends. Everyone made a big deal about the 7-0 against Costa Rica at the last WC and look what happened. Need to keep focused and spread some of the minutes around to the subs like Grimaldo and Joselu.
Italy is now a second tier futballing nation. I envy and appreciate Spain's futballing school. Until the Italian Federation and Seria A develop Italian youth into senior squads and develop Italian youth into the National team we will remain second class. Spain would have deserved a 5-0 win here. This coming from an Azzurri fan who loves Spanish futball.
@@VeniVidiVici456es una lástima enfrentar a Hermanos. No me gusta jugar contra Italia, no solo porque sois un gran equipo sino porque siento que nos hacemos daño entre hermanos. Os deseo lo mejor! Estáis vivos aún, y esto es fútbol puede pasar cualquier cosa! 👏🏻👍🏻🇮🇹🇮🇹🇮🇹🇮🇹
@@MimMdance Even, Messi was not playing at this level when he was 16. Even at the age of 18, Messi was bench player for Argentina in World Cup 2006. At the age of 17, for Barcelona, Messi was playing as a substitute in the 2004-05 season.
@@hsafootballworld1321 Yeah but Messi could've easily played like Lamine and would perform even better, back then they didn't trust young players like today, the experience was more important.
Spain are genuine contenders to win the EUROs and a lot of people have slept on them and alongside Germany they’ve been one of the most convincing top teams in the tournament so far and they were drawn into a difficult group that contained Croatia and Italy and took care of business by topping the group and beating both teams and kept a clean sheet in those games. Now against Albania in the final game of the group, they can rest their key players for the knockouts. What’s impressive about them so far is they managed to win while implementing 2 different styles of football and we aren’t used to seeing them play like that. Croatia have been a successful team in recent years based off of their deep runs in major tournaments particularly at the World Cup, yet Spain managed to beat them 3-0 by having less possession and once they got the job done in the first half they had a platform to see out the rest of the game in the 2nd half. Their DNA has been dominating teams with possessions and they would rely on playing 1,000 passes a game and they didn’t use that to win their first game. Even though they aren’t the same team they were 3 years ago when they won the EUROs and there’s been so many changes, Italy were always going to be a difficult team for them, to be honest they put up a very good performance beating them 1-0 by playing great football moved the ball around played on the front foot in attack didn’t allow anything against them and they created so many chances where on any given day they would’ve scored more goals. On the eye it was great watching this team. Imagine if they actually had a proper striker through the middle alongside all of these dangerous wide players. Depending on who they play against in the next round, Spain are a threat who can cause other teams problems and they’re such a fun team to watch and I advise people to catch a couple of games whenever this team is playing. They’re not over-reliant on what worked so well for them in the early 2010s Tiki Taka as they’re able to progress the ball whenever they’re building up from the back and they can rely on direct wingers who pose fear for opposing fullbacks. They’re not the star studded team they used to be, they have a young squad with a lot of quality and experience. In Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams, they finally have exciting wingers who are so fast technical skillful creative and having them on one side means that you have to face them 1v1 and that’s a nightmare for any defender combined with the fact that Pedri seems to be finding his form again he’s able to break through the lines dish about excellent passes and he’s basically playing as a number 10 for them. With all 3 of these guys cooking and everyone being on the same page, they’re going to click and have a deep run in this tournament and with how open the EUROs is Spain are absolutely title contenders.
Its thé same style but just a lot more vertical and direct if they Want they can make 1000 passes lol Irs juts Now they have player like nico williams a great and good change
Spain was absolutely brilliant. I honestly think we‘re maybe witnessing another golden generation. Williams had Di Lorenzo in chokehold for 70 minutes STRAIGHT and Pedri, Yamal, Fabian and Morata etc. made me think at times that I was watching Iniesta, Xavi, Pedro and Villa again. Crazy. They barely let Italy breath and as a german, they’re the only team alongside France (because of Kanté) which I‘m genuinely worried about.
@@PeskeyStrider2 Morata has always been class for Spain, especially in the Euro’s so I don’t agree with that. The only thing they should work on is there movement when they go back in defense. Teams like France and honestly even Germany with Musiala could possibly exploit that.
Somehow surprised by Cucurella . He has not been impressive at Chelsea , but against Italy and in the first game , he has been outstanding , both in defense as attack .
@@wengelder9256 surprising to people who didn't watch Chelsea at the end of season! Cucurella was crucial at the end of the season for Chelsea to finish strong
Everyone before tournament said would be England, France, Germany, Portugal as favorites, and no one mentioned Spain, I believe Spain will win the euros!!!
I remember watching a previous video of these ESPN pundits talking about how Spain pass, pass, pass and have no purpose have no players to score their goals…. Talked about how they don’t compare to their big England team…. HA! 🥱 Keep your praises the work is not done yet! Vamos 🇪🇸
I know it is not the same importance and category but they did the same with the women's team in the last World Cup when they faced Spain in the World Cup and ended up bending the knee. But in any case, the arrogance of the press is not exclusive to England, it happens in many places, although in the case of England it is even more difficult considering that they only have one title (important because it is the World Cup) in 1966, and Since then they have not won anything again. What I say is more for the journalists than for the fans, because it is normal for all fans to get excited at the start of a tournament, but it is always advisable not to underestimate the rivals, especially if in the end you always end up losing.
Which is still true, look I love my country and want my tram to win... but... we won because of an own goal. We didn't score from chances we made. We had plenty of chances and missed all of them. So yes, we have good style, we can create speed and chances...but it's still teue that we do not really have a clinical finisher.
Amazing level Spain. Very well worked team and all of them doing everything perfect. Domain, posession and velocity, pressure after lose the ball, everything is gold
Unlike England, Spain is a joy to watch. Nico and Yamal are just so talented, and Rodri is the great midfielder that England wishes they had (Declan Rice ain't it).
Germany has also played very well, you can see the added bonus that playing at home gives them and that makes them give more than 100%, but honestly Spain has faced two teams that are in the TOP 10 of the UEFA ranking and Germany has faced Scotland and Hungary, two teams that it is difficult for me to even know where they are....
@@theobserver9479 Italy and Croatia are trash, ranking system is questionable. Leverkusen players in the lineup have boosted the team. Even tho a friendly Germany has beat France and Netherlands recently.
This scenario unfolded exactly as luminarath predicted on his IG. Day in and day out, he keeps showing us how these games are rigged. His daily predictions are so spot-on that it's hard to ignore the patterns he's highlighting. It's amazing how he's able to see through the facade and prove to everyone that these outcomes aren't as random as they seem.
What is the big news with it being rigged, we already knew it from the start. Finally there is someone that shares it with people and helps them make money. luminarath god bless you!!!
He was good, but literally 5th best. Williams, Cucurella, Ruiz and Yamal were all better than him. I really don't know why people obsess with Pedri when there are better players than him.
@@Rafael-xt1nm if you think Pedri was 5th best you know nothing about football. He literally was the conncet between everything on the field. No doubt the other guys had a good game but that position with the kind of close tackles and the pressing from these Italian players of you feel he was 5th best im sorry but you know nothing about football.
@@Rafael-xt1nmThey're talking about him becuz it's been long since we saw Pedri this half sharp.. He's not even close to his best and the world knows it too
At 18 years old, Pedri played in the Euro Cup and the Olympic Games, it was a mistake, that took its toll on him physically, he has been injured many times and this last year he was barely able to have continuity. He has not arrived at the tournament in the best conditions, because unlike other players who, being injured, can arrive fresher, Pedri is a type of player who needs to pick up the pace to give his best. It is a question of physicality, because he has plenty of talent, and you can also see how he is a player who runs from one side of the field to the other under pressure without caring if that will leave him very tired for the last minutes and affect his performance. He has talent and could run enough to not get as tired as other boys and more selfish players, but he doesn't rest, he is always running and pressing all over the field, I know what I'm talking about because seeing him do it in Barcelona every time he plays. He gives everything for the team even though he ends up exhausted and he cannot give the best version of himself and this can affect the opinion of those who see him play, he does not care, he is not selfish, he works for the team. I love Pedri, I will always want him on my team.
I was never a big fan of Tiki Taka, but i am deeply impressed by this Spanish Team. They are so intense in theyre counter attack game. Williams especially, what a power he has in his shots. I think Spain will go far in this tournament. And the way they are playing, they deserve it
We're humble and prove things in the pitch. The opposite extreme from England. Finally some respect for the team with the most Euros titles in history. 🇪🇸
Cucurella was excellent as an inverted fullback for Chelsea the last two months of the season. That's when Chelsea went on their run. He's just a good player.
I haven't seen Spain this sharp for a long time. The aggression was reminiscent of 2008 spain, which also didn't have their super squad. Spain might win this year. Wouldn't be surprised.
They were already fantastic in 2021. The difference being that Italy had Chiellini and Bonucci who were able to bring the game to penalties where donnarumma shines. Spain was the only team back then to shut down italy completly
@@Cio_d-borba Yeah I agree. Chiellini and Bonucci were special. The passing sharpness of Spain is scary. In fact they beat Croatia and Italy already, so technically, they put down two very hard teams. I only see Portugal beating Spain, but I am not sure France or Germany will beat this Spanish side.
@@Jesusisyhvh1I bet 100 euros on Spain before this tournament started, so they better win😂 Apart from that, I don't see another team on Spains level playing wise. Neither Germany, nor France or Portugal
@@Jesusisyhvh1bro portugal almost lost to czechia who couldn't string together 3 passes in a row . Where is your delusion coming from . Also the fact that portugal haven't won against spain in a major tournament in how long now?
Most of Spanish players are world class players and the youngsters are real talent, even if they have a bad manager they will still batter weaker sides by individual performances, the English team most of the players are average and the youngsters media call generational talents are just normal talents you find in most top football nations
People throw around this "World Class" title to loosely in today football or their footballing standard is that low nowadays. Spain only have one world class talent and that's Rodri the other are good to very good players with 2 generational talent in Pedri and Yamel.
And even that Old Spain play better than This england Old Spain was a possession team england never and with danemark they dont havé thé possesion So Thérè is no comparaison at all between Old Spain of Enrique with that england at least thé Old Enrique Spain dominated and contrôle thé game 😉 Thé Old Spain will béat this england very easily And with thé Spain 2008 2012 it will be 🔞🔞🔞🔞🔞🔞
It's so funny how the British are so into football but yet they never win anything. From Europe football belongs to Germany, Spain, France Portugal and Italy and Brazil and Argentina from South America. It will always be like this, one of these will always win.
@lazarousmuzandu2568 Absolutely, but how? They been trying for decades. The last time they won ( which is the world cup) in 1966, which is a long time ago but never won the euro. What I m saying, the talent is there but they can't just seem to put the puzzle together, the gameplay...they are all over the place. Spain for example, they play Tiki-taka...which means passing and passing and creating spaces. England has absolutely no idea about this. That being said, Spain completely dominated Italy which again...tiki-taka. Everything is about technique when it comes to football, that's why Spain and France are so successful in Europe.
Same for me Spain and Germany are the teams to beat but cant forget about France lurking. They’re not playing that well but you never know when they will step it up. Netherlands can be threatening as well. England and Belgium are the only ‘big teams’ I do not fear.
Aupa los cachorros!!!! Gran partido y buen fútbol. El control del partido fue nuestro. Nos faltó puntería, es lo único qué nos falla, el delantero. Qué tiempos cuando estaban " el niño" y Villa. Pero Niko y Lamine son dos auténticos puñales por las bandas. Todo el mundo habla de Lamine, con 16 años, normal. Pero Niko es otro futuro crack, y está más hecho qué Lamine.
Nico Williams is unbelievable, Closest thing I’ve seen to our Sadio, Liverpool get out the Cheque book , he is what we need to win the league, his pace and control , What a player!!!
Spain were great, yes ... and as a German I don't enjoy the fact that our team will *probably* encounter them as early as the quarterfinals. But: While they dominated the match most of the time and created lots of chances, it took an own-goal by Italy to put them up. And despite Italy looking like they were out of their depth during most of the match, Spain did not manage to score the all important second goal. I'd go as far as saying that Italy were pretty close to scoring the equalizer during the very late stage of the match. Plus Spain themselves looked a bit confused and disorganized during those very last minutes once things started to get a bit, err... heated on the pitch for some reason. Italy were clearly overwhelmed by the Spanish team last night, but I'll still give them credit for not giving up and still trying to create chances. It clearly wasn't enough against that Spanish team, but I wouldn't count Italy out just yet.
Spain and Germany on a collision course for the quarters. The Spanish wingers will be the difference makers. Too much pace for the German fullbacks. I fancy Spain
Crazy how mediocre Spain has been relying on guys like Morata for so long, Nico and Yamal have really brought this attack up a notch, hopefully they both keep it up. Ruiz also playing extraordinarily well
It all starts from the very early days. Spain have a certain style, France, Germany, Italy... they are all taught to play a certain way from a young age. England don't have a style, a pattern, a philosophy.
That performance came fairly close to 2012 level Spain. I don't even think Italy are that bad at the moment. Spain just minimised them. One of the hot favourites to win the tournament after these two games if they keep this up.
España es la belleza del fútbol en estado puro. Italia se salvó literalmente de una goleada de escándalo. De momento España ha demostrado que es la mejor selección de la Eurocopa con mucha diferencia. ☝️🇪🇸🇪🇸🇪🇸🏆 Espero que Italia pase a la siguiente fase. Saludos 👋
Nico williams with unai simon its actual copa del rey 24 chqmpions . Merino and oyarzabal are champions of copa del rey 22. Please the crack of this team is Ayoze
UEFA will make sure Germany advances to the semi final because they are the host nation. The game would most probably be pre-fixed, spain would agree to get knocked out by Germany, because football is mostly fixed on board level. They will most probably compensate Spain in future. Either in World Cup 2026 or Euro 2028.
as a spaniard I am happy to see such a performance! Spain were amazing! Nico was outstanding, Rodri is a beast, cucurella saw what was happening further up and made a meal out of that situation... very good. but, at some stages the press seems a bit kamikaze, brave for sure, but at points, if 1-2 players from Spain were not 100% committed on the press (and this happened a few times) suddenly Italy were finding space and when Spain tried to fix it on the fly, it was creating space somewhere else. I think Spain can be opened up at points relatively easy and that worries me.
As an Italian I'm extremely upset and apologize to the world this was the ugliest game of football I've seen from Italy you should have lost 6 or nine two nothing this team is not worthy of being at the Euros you should take their shirts off give Croatia the second spot and just fly home latest flat out irresponsible for the Italian national football team to play like this my heart hurts tonight of what I seen the next 12 years is going to be a disaster for Italian football we have no debts in any players and trying to transition to different method of play style is just not working with the players we have in this generation this was not a good day
@@aliciaspain10 thank you but it's rather unfortunate situation with the decline of City the client of our players but no money putting into the stadiums it's all adding up over the last 10 years it's going to be at least another decade before things start turning around
It's not at the level of former Italian sides but they still fight. Don't count them out yet. Despite the gap in opportunities it was only 1-0 and it was an own goal. Italy are hard to beat.
@@aliciaspain10 oh brother I've been watching Italian football since 1970 I'm definitely counting them out it's term it over we're f***** for the next 10 years but I hope you're right my brother
@@christinemurray1444 trust me that was organized chaos I've been watching Italian football since 1970s when I was born I hope you're right but this is a disaster for the next 12 years we're f***** but I hope you're alright
Wrong tactics.:. Italy knew they were going to be out possessed by Spain. If they pushed up forward and added pressure to Spain would have at least kept it 0-0. I take nothing away from Spain… they are a phenomenal team and it could have been a vicious beating 5-6 to nothing. But donnarumma was fantastic today for us!
I hate when these guys start to bandwagon good teams. Pre-tournament none of them put Spain even performing this well despite the talent and continuously talking about a lack of a striker. It’s uncanny how as a group of pundits and a channel how little punditry/picks they’ve offered over the last year (domestic and intl) but stick to the popular takes everyone who casually watches the game share. Good win Spain!
I wish Spain scored more. Yes they were brilliant. But without that own goal, Italy would have still got the same 1 point as Spain. Spain is the overwhelming favourite after yesterday, but if they don't convert all that breathtaking build up play into more goals, they might still lose. In football the best team doesn't always win.
Nico Williams, yes he was brilliant. But what about Cucurella, Le Normand, Fabián Ruiz and Carvajal (the pitbull)... the whole team came out to eat the Italians up.
Yes, Spain was brilliant today, clearly schooling the opposition. Make no mistake, though, this was a wretched performance by the Italians. I don't recall Italy ever being this horrendous in a major competition. Dreadful stuff. Couldn't string 3 passes together. Too many lunch-bucket players on this squad; Frattesi, Cambiaso, Cristante, to name a few. Jorginho, Pellegrini, Scamacca, and Chiesa were non-entities today; so poor. If it hadn't been for Donnarumma, this match would easily have ended 5-0 for Spain. Apart from our goalkeeper, only Barella and Calafiori have the potential to inspire.
Pedri,Laine Yamal(what a youngster i personally think hes going to be a big name in future football)Nico Williams (Wishing he goes to Chelsea) and Cucurela are absolutely awesome
the way Spain plays shows you, that they can dominate every Team. I’m still not entirely convinced that they can win it. They had 9 shots on Target and not one single goal. The only goal that was scored was an own goal caused by individual mistake. They also allowed Italy to get back into the game in the last 20 min…
