Lamine Yamal and Rodri shine, the Czech Republic reacts too late

Lamine Yamal no longer stops

He scored. Again. The 19-year-old prodigy stood out with a jewel to open the scoring during Spain's victory against the Czech Republic (3-1), he who never ceases to impress. Author of a fantastic start to the season, his performance in the first period is a continuation of what he has been showing for weeks. Active and sharp on his side, he undermined a Czech defense who could only admire the spectacle. Just in his touches of the ball, quick in his breakthroughs, and systematically dangerous in his strikes, he only played 45 minutes but that was enough to carry an entire nation.

Also read League of Nations: with a jewel from Yamal, Spain holds its place against the Czech Republic

Skip the ad

Rodri, centerpiece of the midfield

A captain. A real one. The FC Barcelona player, as usual, delivered a boss match. Omnipresent in the midfield, he secured the midfield with a masterful hand. Always available to facilitate his defenders' restarts, he even weighed in on the Spanish attacks, with the break goal, like a surface fox, ten minutes before the break. It was after its release that La Roja almost ruined everything. Indispensable Rodri.

Kinsky saved the furniture

If there is one Czech player to remember despite the defeat, it’s him. The Tottenham goalkeeper responded to the world champions. Solid on his line, strong in his reflexes, like his beautiful save on Olmo (33rd), and calm in his restarts, Antonin Kinsky limited the damage on numerous occasions, especially in the first period. Without him, the Czech ship would have sunk long before. His teammates can thank him.

FLOPS

Czechs who reacted too late

Completely overwhelmed and powerless for almost 70 minutes until the goal of Jiri Slama's revolt (69th), Santiago Denia's men then tried to really shake up La Roja by going for an equalizer... in vain. Disorganized on the counter-attack and too tight in the duels, the Czech Republic was unable to do anything in the first half. It was this first act in reverse, where the Czechs were apathetic and wait-and-see, which condemned them in this meeting. It's a shame.

Roberto Fernandez transparent