Spain seem to be having to overcome every obstacle imaginable in these Olympic Games.
Everything seems to be going against them. The VAR decision with the challenge on Dani Ceballos, Mikel Oyarzabal hitting the bar and the terrible refereeing performance in the match against Australia have made their start to the tournament a tricky one to say the least.
Spain’s persistence paid off
Despite all this, Spain have kept plugging away and stayed patient, which finally paid off against Australia. Dani Olmo and Pedri were vastly improved compared to the opener against Egypt, and Oyarzabal finally got his goal, while Martin Zubimendi put in an assured performance in midfield.
La Roja weren’t affected by nerves as time marched on in the match, sticking to their game plan and waiting for that one moment to strike and kill the game.
They had to contend with some unfavourable conditions in Tokyo, as well as an opponent who spent the majority of the match behind the ball, trying to stifle Spain at every opportunity.
This is why the goal didn’t come until late on in the match. Pedri and Carlos Soler had a couple of attempts from outside the box, Rafa Mir came close on two occasions, as did Javi Puado, and Oyarzabal hit the woodwork before scoring.
Spain are now in control of their own destiny going in to the final group-stage game, as a draw against Argentina in Saitama will be enough for them to top the group.
