Match Rewind-Spain vs Italy

steemsports (80)in #steemsports • 7 years ago (edited)

Spain vs Italy – As it happened

SteemSports Presenter: @rajat97

SteemSports Editor: @shrey

Spain and Italy faced off in a Group G clash of the heavyweights in the European Qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup 2018. By the looks of it, the Spanish armada look set to make amends of a disappointing World Cup campaign in Brazil as they thumped a strong Italian side 3-0 at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The win for La Roja virtually confirms their spot in the group stages of the prestigious competition but problems for Italy have only multiplied. The Italians look set to finish second in the group as Spain do not look like a side who will be losing out to the other oppositions in the group.

The Azzurri will have to take part in a two-legged playoff for qualification if they are unable to pip Spain for the first spot in Group G. But with the kind of form the Spanish players are in, Julen Lopetegui’s side are settled and brimming with quality from leagues all over the world.

First Half

The home side were dominant throughout the course of the first 45 minutes with Isco being the star player as well as the unanimous man of the match. Bonucci was to blame for the opener of Spain as he fouled Asensio in a dangerous area and even took a booking for that offense.
The Real Madrid attacker opened the scoring for his side in the 13th minute through a fabulous curling free kick from just outside the 30 yard box to beat the Italian keeper, Gianluigi Buffon.
With five minutes to go for the half time whistle, Isco showed his class yet again through slick and smooth dribbling skills and a fine shot into the bottom right corner from outside the box.

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Second Half

While the Italians were expected to bounce back and reduce the deficit in the second half, it was not to be. The Spanish side were too strong on the day as they held off their players and blocked passing lanes to their numerous forwards at all times.
If there was any doubt to the result of the game, Chelsea striker, Alvaro Morata put it to rest in the 77th minute as he tapped in a great pass from Sergio Ramos into the net and make it a 3-0 victory for Spain and their supporters present in Real Madrid’s home ground.