Spain 6-1 Argentina
Thoroughly entertaining. Thoroughly attacking. Thoroughly shambolic (Argentina defending that is). More of the same would be welcome this summer in Russia.
Of course, sports betting fans know the likelihood of these two nations meeting in the World Cup, let alone playing like this, is slim when there will be so much at stake.
Still, if this is what football games between established giants are like, then bring it on!
Before a ball was kicked, there was plenty to talk about.
On the night Sergio Ramos was presented with a framed Spain shirt to mark his 150th appearance for his country, his fellow centre-back Gerard Pique had to contend with jeers in the Estadio Wanda Metropolitano as his name was announced.
His backing for Catalan independence may not endear him to many in the capital Madrid, but Spanish fans must acknowledge the national team would be much weaker without him.
That was proven 10 minutes in as Pique made an important interception to stop a dangerous Argentina attack and moments later saw Marco Asensio tee up Diego Costa to give Spain an early lead.
The cheers for Pique continued but, as he remained composed, Spain doubled their advantage.
Goalkeeper Sergio Romero had just left the field, injured while trying to save Costa’s opener, and virtually the first thing his replacement Willy Caballero had to do was pick the ball out of the net as an unmarked Isco slotted home the second.
A mistake by Ramos allowed Nicolas Otamendi to power home a header past David de Gea—the Man City man also scored the winner past De Gea in the Manchester derby in December.
Game on? Not really!
Costa failed to reappear after the break, with the Atletico Madrid man feeling the effects of a knock sustained while netting the opener. However, it didn’t matter as his replacement, Iago Aspas, teamed up with Iniesta for Isco to score his second.
Moments later, Thiago Alcantara fired home a right-footed fourth after more good work by Aspas—he really wants to be on that plane to Russia!
No Lionel Messi, no Argentina fightback.
It was game over as Spain followed up their draw with the world champions Germany with a comprehensive victory over the defeated finalists in 2014.
Otamendi was denied his second by the post before Pique was substituted to a warm reception—some home fans perhaps appreciating the folly of their ways.
To cap Spain’s perfect night, Aspas quickly got on the scoresheet, thanks to De Gea, while Isco completed his hat-trick off an Aspas assist to ensure a rout.
Spain may not be as adventurous in a World Cup match and the South Americans certainly will tighten up at the back, but if this was a sign of entertainment to come, we are all in for a summer to remember!
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