إسبانيا began their كأس العالم qualifying campaign in thrilling style with a comprehensive 3-0 victory over Bulgaria in Sofia.
First-half goals from Mikel Oyarzabal, Marc Cucurella and Mikel Merino fired La Roja to a comfortable victory, making it just one defeat in the past 70 World Cup qualifiers for the 2010 champions.
But it was 18-year-old Lamine Yamal, marking his 22nd international appearance, who was Spain’s prominent attacking threat on right-hand side, displaying the talent and temperament which could earn him the headlines at next year’s World Cup.
BALLGM rates Spain’s players from Vasil Levski وطني Stadium…
Spain began their World Cup qualifying campaign in thrilling style with a comprehensive 3-0 victory over Bulgaria in Sofia.
First-half goals from Mikel Oyarzabal, Marc Cucurella and Mikel Merino fired La Roja to a comfortable victory, making it just one defeat in the past 70 World Cup qualifiers for the 2010 champions.
But it was 18-year-old Lamine Yamal, marking his 22nd international appearance, who was Spain’s prominent attacking threat on right-hand side, displaying the talent and temperament which could earn him the headlines at next year’s World Cup.
بالجم rates Spain’s players from Vasil Levski National Stadium…
Unai Simon (6/10):
Barely troubled all evening. Was scrambling for one shot early in the first-half, but that was it. Practically a night off.
بيدرو بورو (7/10):
Made a crucial block midway through the first-half, deflecting a shot onto the post. Was untroubled apart from that and was a threatening presence upfield.
Robin Le Normand (6/10):
Booked for a clumsy challenge with Aleksander Kolev. Subbed at half-time after a comfortable first 45 minutes.
Dean Huijsen (8/10):
Cool, calm and composed. Impressed with some delightful long-ball passes from the back and displayed express pace when covering.
Marc Cucurella (7/10):
An absolute peach for his first international goal. He barely even cracked a smile after the goal – a sign of Spain’s dominance.
بيدري (7/10):
A confident evening, with acres of space to roam into, maybe only disappointed he didn’t create more.
Martin Zubamendi (7/10):
Provided the assist for Oyarzabal’s opening goal. A busy presence across midfield and would have impressed his new boss Mikel Arteta.
Mikel Merino (7/10):
Perfectly-timed leap to powerfully head home Spain’s third. Enjoyed an easy evening, able to pick his passes at will.
Lamine Yamal (9/10):
A constant threat on the wing, with endless energy and trickery, he ran Bulgaria ragged. Provided the assist for Merino’s goal.
Nico Williams (6/10):
A relatively quiet night playing the attacking left role as Spain’s main thrusts came down the right. Didn’t put a foot wrong all game.
Mikel Oyarzabal (8/10):
Great touch and finish to bag the first goal inside five minutes. A constant threat around the box.
Pau Cubarsi (6/10):
Came on at the start of the second-half, replacing Le Normand and enjoyed one of the most comfortable games he’ll ever play.
رودري (6/10):
Made a very welcome return for La Roja, playing the final half hour after serious injury playing for Man City. Some neat touches, but little impact.
Dani Carvajal (6/10):
Another player delighted to be returning after an extended absence. Very little opportunity for him to shine.
Dani Olmo: (5/10):
Replaced Williams in the 71st minute and showed great willing in wide positions, but failed to find that crucial pass.
Jesus Rodriguez (5/10):
Made his debut, replacing Yamal in the 79th minute. Will merely be pleased with having a few touches of the ball.
لويس de la Fuente (7/10):
The only complaint the manager will have is that his side failed to score more goals. Will be pleased to see key stars return to international duty following injury.
