Spain have been a fading force ever since the World Cup 2014 began. After a humiliating exit from the competition, the team has been facing more troubles with regard to their Euro 2016 qualification campaign.
Slovakia were not expected to even come close to topping the group, but they now hold a two-point advantage over Spain. The 2010 World Cup is needed to win their away match against Belarus at all costs in order to stay in touch with Slovakia. Such was the precarious nature of the game, but Spain managed to come out on the right side following a 1-0 win.
Manager Vicente del Bosque will be that this result could have been very different had it been for some better finishing by the opposition. Spain dominated the game with a shot from target compared with just two from the opposition, but they were always dangerous on the counter-attack. This victory helps relieve the pressure away from manager, while also providing some confidence to the players. This will be important when Spain take on group leaders Slovakia in home match in September. This is a must win game if the former European champions are to top the group.
Three teams can realistically qualify from a group but only two will be via the automatic places.”I am happy with our performance as we controlled proceedings for practically the whole game. There was only a 15 minute period in the second half, when our opponents managed to grab the initiative.It was a difficult match for us but we managed to claim three very important points, which helps to fight it out for a place in the European Championship.There are three teams who are trying to qualify,” said the former Real Madrid manager, who was overseeing his 100th game with the national team.