Enrique looks at the big picture for Spain
LUIS Enrique looked at the big picture after Spain were held to a draw with Germany, content with the fact La Roja head into their final World Cup Group E match as leaders.
Alvaro Morata’s secondhalf goal had seemingly put Spain on course for a second win in as many group games, and victory would have secured their place in the last 16.
But Niclas Fullkrug equalised late on to earn Germany a point that will provide Die Nationalelf with a timely confidence boost, even if their destiny is essentially in Spain’s hands.
While Spain enjoyed more of the ball on Sunday, Germany’s chances amounted to a greater expected goals (xG) total of 1.1 compared to 0.57, suggesting Hansi Flick’s side created the better opportunities.
Nevertheless, the reality is Spain remain in control of the group with four points, and although they might have been in even better shape after facing Germany, Luis Enrique has no qualms with their position.
“In theory this was the group of death,” he told La 1.
“If after the draw we’d been told that after the first two matches we’d be the leaders of the group and we depend only on ourselves, I would have signed for that.”
Adding in his post-match press conference, he said: “A draw against Japan is enough, but we’re not going to speculate.
“Yes, it’s a pity, the result, but we have to be happy because we are leaders in this group of death.
“When the draw came out everyone was mesmerised by the quality, it was the group that drew gasps.
“This is such a short competition that wanting to speculate on a game makes no sense. We will look for the best option in terms of the starting 11.
“An all-or-nothing competition begins now. This is our reality now and our goal is to go through as first in the group.
“Germany has to think about beating Costa Rica, which is a great team. You can be sure that we are going play Japan to win.”
Frustration was seemingly the overwhelming emotion among the players.
But Luis Enrique felt Germany were deserving of a point, even though he also reckoned Spain wasted the opportunity to finish them off before Fullkrug struck his equaliser.
“Yes, that’s the feeling I got from players, they’re a bit disappointed,” he continued. “[But] we could have been defeated, too. [the draw] is fair I’d say.
“We could have won, we could have got a decisive goal. Maybe that play with [Marco] Asensio at 1-0, he took the shot, it would have been decisive but it went over.
“Germany is a football force. We can’t rule them out for the winning the World Cup, but we put up a fight.”
Spain face Japan on Thursday knowing victory will confirm top spot, while Germany go up against Costa Rica at the same time as they hope to climb from bottom into a qualification berth.
In theory this was the group of death. If after the draw we’d been told that after the first two matches we’d be the leaders of the group and we depend only on ourselves, I would have signed for that. Spain coach Luis Enrique