itsbeautifuloutside

Australia v Spain

Curitiba, 23rd June 2014

Match Report

After a very nervy half hour, Spain showed what they are capable of against a young Australian team. Spain clearly could have performed so much better than they did in this competition and it is a case of what might have been. Some of their play was simply mesmerising, so why couldn't they have played like this before?

As for the Aussies, I have watched all three of the Australian games and they have a lot to be proud of, in spite of not gaining a single point. Australian football is developing in leaps and bounds and I hope that the lack of anything tangible to show for their campaign will not be seen as failure back in Oz.

The first goal was a flashback to a Spain at the height of their powers, even just a couple of years ago. Iniesta put an inch perfect pass down the right to full back, Juanfran, who squared it to Villa, who finally flicked the ball past keeper Mat Ryan.

This was Villa's final game for Spain and when he was substituted later he was inconsolable.

After the break Spain were infinitely better and goals for Torres and Mata followed.

The young Australians tired towards the end, as their attempt to play a high energy pressing game against Spain came unstuck. Fortunately for the Aussies the damage stayed at 3-0 and both teams will be on planes home tomorrow.

channonite