Spain 1-1 Greece
The old phrase of ‘Beware Greeks bearing gifts’ is in the annals of history.
Many more defensive displays like this and it will need to be rewritten because this was a performance in which they gave their illustrious opponents virtually nothing and came away from this opening World Cup 2022 qualifying encounter with a point – despite only having 20 per cent possession and one shot on target across 90 minutes.
The Greeks may have been content for their hosts to dominate the ball but they restricted Spain to just two efforts on target themselves in a resolute showing.
After Alvaro Morata opened the scoring, a penalty from captain Anastasios Bakasetas earned a share of the spoils for the visitors and a fine start to their World Cup qualifying campaign.
Highlights of the game
This was not a result the SBOTOP World Cup qualifying betting odds came close to predicting as Greece travelled to Granada in hope more than expectation.
After all, Spain had scored four or more goals in four of their last eight matches, a run of results that included a 6-0 romp over Germany, a 7-0 win against Malta and a 5-0 triumph over Romania.
Another comfortable night for the Spanish was anticipated, even if the form guide suggested Greece were hardly going to follow in the footsteps of their predecessors defensively.
Since replacing Angelos Anastasiadis in July 2019, Greece manager John van’t Schip had guided the national team to seven wins and five days in 15 matches, demonstrating their resilience by conceding only once in six group matches in the Nations League.
Three goalless draws, however, had also shown their lack of a clinical edge so it was clearly going to be a back to the walls job.
Before kick-off, Spain boss Luis Enrique had revealed he has his ideas for the goalkeeper position wrapped up, but it was still a surprise to me that Unai Simon was given the nod ahead of David de Gea.
Captain Sergio Ramos partnered Eric Garcia, who is set to join Barcelona on a free transfer from Manchester City this summer, in the heart of defence with Marcos Llorente named at right-back for La Roja and Jose Luis Gaya retaining his place at left-back.
With Koke and Sergio Canales playing just ahead of Rodri Hernandez in midfield, and a front three of Ferran Torres, Morata and Dani Olmo, Greece were underdogs on a massive scale.
There seemed little chance of a surprise in the first half as Koke twice went close before lifting a pass to Morata who chested the ball and superbly volleyed home the opener.
A first-class goal and one which would pave the way for a home success, or so the majority thought.
Even with Enrique resting Ramos in the second half, it was felt Spain would have too much but they were thwarted 11 minutes after the restart when his replacement, Inigo Martinez, cleared a ball but was adjudged to have caught Giorgos Masouras in the box and Bakasetas hammered in an unlikely equaliser from the penalty spot.
As Enrique brought the likes of midfielder Thiago, talented youngster Pedri and Mikel Oyarzabal off the bench, it seemed Greece would be breached but to their immense credit they held out and there were few clear cut chances but for a late Morata header.
Greece had defied the odds and the statistics to make an ideal start as they aim to reach a World Cup for only the fourth time in their history (1994, 2010 and 2014).
Key statistics
Spain have only lost once since their last 16 exit in the 2018 World Cup, with that sole defeat coming when Ukraine stunned them in the Nations League in Kiev last autumn.
Greece are unbeaten in their last 10 competitive matches, with their last defeat against Italy in the qualifying campaign for Euro 2020.
Greece have only conceded two goals in their last seven matches.
Since 2004, only David Silva (eight), David Villa (eight) and Fernando Torres (seven) have scored more goals in World Cup qualifiers for Spain than Morata (six).
Their last defeat in European and World Cup qualifying matches spans back 63 matches (won 50, drawn 13) to Denmark in March 1993.
What’s next?
Spain go on their travels to face Georgia on Sunday evening (March 28) and then host Kosovo in midweek in three qualifiers in quick succession.
Greece entertain Honduras in a friendly on Sunday night before their second qualifier at home to Georgia next Wednesday (March 31).
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