Giggs taught harsh lesson in Spanish
FOOD for thought, then, for Ryan Giggs and Gareth Southgate. If this is what Spain’s supposed second string can do, what about the A-team?
Spain were too good in Cardiff by some distance. Wales returned to the national stadium after seven years away hoping for a showpiece performance but were instead reminded why they left in the first place.
The Principality was two thirds full and rather than intimidation, Spain were met with acquiescence. This was only a friendly, granted, but the atmosphere was markedly quieter than the racket created for matches at the smaller ground across town.
The absence of Gareth Bale inevitably played a major part. He was awarded a golden boot at half time for becoming his country’s all-time leading scorer and Giggs must have been cursing his luck that the Real Madrid forward couldn’t put his match boots on.
Without him Wales offered little, until the introduction of David Brooks. It was the Bournemouth winger’s cross that set up Sam Vokes for a consolation in the final minute.
Luis Enrique rested a number of his best players ahead of Monday’s England game and while this was still a strong Spain side, the way Wales were cut open raises concerns for Giggs.
He had opted for a back five and although Ashley Williams, Chris Gunter, and Ben Davies have played together many times, they looked like strangers at times as a central three.
Spain’s first goal came after eight minutes when Saul Niguez teed up Paco Alcacer on the edge of the area and Wayne Hennessey was given no chance with the top-corner finish. It was Alcacer’s eighth goal in 179 minutes of football this season, his role for Borussia Dortmund largely that of a rather prolific substitute.
By 20 minutes Wales were two down as Sergio Ramos was granted the freedom of the box from Suso’s free kick and everyone’s favourite villain duly headed in. If Ramos had missed, there were two more waiting to pounce.
Spain made it three on the half hour amid more defensive calamity. Three times Wales failed to clear, so Alcacer ran on and drove home on the volley.
Wales did have a couple of encouraging moments. Harry Wilson tried to fire a free-kick past David de Gea but the ball skimmed over. Ethan Ampadu then headed against the post.
With 17 minutes left, Spain added their fourth goal as Marc Bartra headed in.