Spanish lesson far too tough for Giggs
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 display, 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 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. The Bournemouth winger’s cross set up Sam Vokes for a consolation goal 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.
‘We came up against a very good team. The disappointment for me was not doing the basics. There were so many mistakes and poor goals,’ he said.
Giggs also revealed Bale is a major doubt for Tuesday’s Nations League game in Ireland. ‘Very unlikely at this point,’ he said.
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.
By 20 minutes Wales were 2-0 down, as Sergio Ramos was granted the freedom of the peanlty area from Suso’s free-kick and everyone’s favourite villain duly headed in.
Spain made it 3-0 on the half-hour amid more defensive calamity. Three times Wales failed to clear the ball, so Alcacer simply ran on and drove it home on the volley.
It was his ninth goal in five games for club and country this season.
Wales did at least have a good moment when Ethan Ampadu headed against a post. In the second half Hennessey saved from Alvaro Morata, then Suso hit the bar with a curling shot and, with 17 minutes left, Spain added a fourth when Marc Bartra headed in.