A warning for the 'Bulls'

Spain took possession-based football to its peak, producing a host of outstanding midfielders. But precisely because of that, they no longer produce world-class strikers.

Looking at the statistics from Spain's opening match at the 2026 World Cup, many would expect an easy victory against Cabo Verde. The "Bulls" controlled possession for 75%, took 27 shots, completed over 700 passes, and dominated the opponent's half for most of the game. Cabo Verde were forced to defend deep. Yet, the match ended 0-0. This is a paradox. Spain can dominate most opponents. They possess some of the world's best midfielders capable of controlling the tempo of the game, such as Rodri, Pedri, and Fabian Ruiz. Their wingers are highly dynamic players like Nico Williams and Lamine Yamal.

These players are all excellent at creating chances, but Spain lacks a finisher. Mikel Oyarzabal is the clearest example in the match against Cabo Verde. The Real Sociedad striker was positioned highest up the pitch, but was almost invisible amidst the opposing defenders. Oyarzabal didn't even touch the ball for the first 30 minutes of the match, despite Spain completely dominating possession. Meanwhile, Yamal's introduction in the second half immediately enlivened Spain's attack. The young Barcelona star consistently created chances with his dribbling and runs into the penalty area. But a team placing its highest hopes on a teenage winger is also a sign that they are lacking something.

Can Spain achieve success at the 2026 World Cup with Oyarzabal?

PHOTO: REUTERS

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Uruguay 0-1 Spain (Second Half): Uruguay strugglesTPO - Uruguay needed to secure at least one point to keep their hopes alive. In the second half, they had more possession but lacked creativity. Uruguay's attacking plays were monotonous, mainly consisting of crosses from the flanks.

The case of Alvaro Morata clearly illustrates the problems of Spanish football. For most of his career, Morata has never been considered among the best strikers in Europe. He failed to become a star at Real Madrid, Chelsea, or Juventus. His inconsistent finishing often made him a target of criticism from fans. Last season, Morata didn't even score a single goal for Como in Serie A. This poor form cost him a place in the 2026 World Cup squad. But what's thought-provoking is that a striker often considered "average" is actually the best number 9 Spain has had in almost a decade.

Morata left the national team with 37 goals, ranking fourth on the all-time leading scorer list for the Spanish national team. He captained Spain to victory at EURO 2024. This shows that the problem isn't Morata himself. The problem lies in the fact that Spanish football hasn't found anyone better than him. Since the golden generation of David Villa and Fernando Torres, Spain has produced almost no other world-class center forward.

The draw against Cabo Verde was therefore not simply a slip-up in the group stage. It served as a warning to Spanish football as a whole. Because in the World Cup or any other tournament, possession can help you dominate the game, but only goals will win you the championship.

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Source: https://thanhnien.vn/loi-canh-bao-danh-cho-bo-tot-185260617213525006.htm