Spain 1-0 Switzerland: Three Things We Learned

While we may still be nine months out from the rescheduled UEFA Euro 2021 tournament next year, that doesn’t mean nations are just sitting around waiting for the time to pass them by. Instead, they’re getting up and they’re taking part in the UEFA Nations League – which could have some important rewards for those who are successful in it.

Over the weekend we saw Spain lock horns with Switzerland in a pretty intriguing tie that ended with the 2010 world champions securing a 1-0 win thanks to a goal from Mikel Oyarzabal. Today, we’ll be taking a look at three things we’ve come to learn in the aftermath of that result.

David de Gea’s revival?

Kepa Arrizabalaga did not start this game which handed a golden opportunity over to Manchester United’s David de Gea. He’s definitely been through his fair share of troubles in recent times on the pitch but in this game, you could tell he was eager to prove a real point to the watching world. He pulled out a few nice saves, commanded his area well, and wound up keeping the clean sheet that was the key behind Spain’s victory.

Adama’s potential

After Ansu Fati failed to make the kind of impression he’d intended, Adama Traore was introduced into the mix as speculation continues to circulate surrounding his future with Wolverhampton Wanderers. While a few outings alone won’t convince everyone that he can become an all-time Spanish great, many are of the belief that the best way to further his development would be to allow him to join Barcelona. Still, when it comes to what he’s producing on the pitch, it’s hard to complain thus far.

A long road ahead

With Spain being priced at 7/1 and Switzerland at 50/1 with 888sport to win UEFA Euro 2021, there isn’t an overwhelming amount of hope that either nation can go all the way. We’ve seen surprises happen in the past, as we all well know, but it’s probably going to take some time before any major improvements are recognisable. Thankfully for these two, then, they’ve got nine whole months to make those adjustments – but they do have to realise that even though the bookmakers won’t back them, they’ll have thousands of fans on hand to make sure they don’t disappoint.

Match Report

Spain: de Gea (7), Gaya (7), Torres (7), Ramos (8), Navas (7), Merino (7.5), Busquets (7.5), Fati (6), Olmo (6), Torres (6.5), Oyarzabal (7.5), Rodrigo (6), Traore (6.5), Moreno (6), Canales (6.5)

Switzerland: Sommer (5.5), Widmer (6.5), Elvedi (7), Schar (6.5), Rodriguez (7), Benito (6.5), Sow (6), Xhaka (6.5), Freuler (6), Seferovic (6), Mehmedi (6), Vargas (6), Fernandes (6), Shaqiri (6), Zuber (6)

Referee: Ali Palabiyik

Goals: Oyarzabal

Yellow Cards: Merino, Schar, Freuler

Red Cards: N/A