After a disappointing loss against France, Spain started the road to the Euro 2016 with a solid win. The scoreboard may have had a large margin, but La Roja was just effective enough to score five goals against a very poor rival. The team seemed to be at a lower level, and it was just what was needed to win. A brilliant Silva led the way, and helped earn the first three points. Despite a revolution having started, it was the same old men that made the team work. Let’s take a look at how each player performed:
GK, Iker Casillas: 6.5/10
Made a good save with 0-0 and prevented the 3-2 early in the second half. Not a lot of work against a humble team.
DEF, Juanfran: 6.5/10
Good replacement for the injured Carvajal. Correct in defense and very helpful in attack. He assisted Alcácer in the second goal.
DEF, Sergio Ramos: 6.5/10
Good in defense. Considering Macedonia’s poor attack, he didn’t have to work too much. Scored a penalty. He gave his spot to Bartra.
DEF, Raúl Albiol: 6.5/10
Good like his partner, but with very little trouble coming to him.
DEF, Jordi Alba: 7/10
Lethal in attack, always providing good crosses and combining well with teammates. He assisted Silva in the fourth goal.
MID, Sergio Busquets: 7/10
Helped a lot in recovering balls. He’s just the man to give the attackers some peace to work well. Finally scored his first goal after 70 matches with La Roja.
MID, Koke: 7/10
His work was appreciated, yet the creative role was left to others. He ended up exhausted and gave his place to Munir.
MID, Cesc Fabregas: 7.5/10
Worked hard next to Silva, creating threatening chances and even an assist. We’re definitely seeing the best Cesc Fabregas.
MID, David Silva: 9/10
The game was all about him. Man of the match no doubt. His class, great passes and vision were crucial for the win. He scored the fourth goal and gave an assist.
MID, Pedro Rodríguez: 7/10
He was very persistent. Lacking a bit of shot accuracy. Combined well with teammates as usual. Just before the final whistle he scored a brilliant goal and redeemed himself.
ATT, Paco Alcácer: 7.5/10
Great official debut from the Valencian. Scored a goal and gave an assist. In barely an hour, he has done better than Diego Costa in four games. Isco came in for him in the second half.
Substitutes:
MID, Isco: 5.5/10
His talent is undeniable. However, he couldn’t become important, as the team was already relaxed.
DEF, Marc Bartra: 5.5/10
Not a lot of work had to be done. The game was already at a low point, which made him not participate as much.
ATT, Munir El Haddadi: N/A
He will no longer be able to play for Morocco. He barely had time to participate, but he was quite nervous.
