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Pass-masters Spain fail World Cup test, face identity crisis

arabnews.com

DOHA: Spain arrived in Qatar with grand dreams of winning a second World Cup, fully convinced in their style of play, but departed early Wednesday, ruminating on an identity crisis.

La Roja last lifted a major trophy a decade ago at Euro 2012, while they have not won a single knockout game at the World Cup since triumphing in South Africa in 2010.

Luis Enrique’s side huffed and puffed but could not blow Morocco’s sturdy house down in the last 16 on Tuesday, falling 3-0 on penalties after 120 goalless minutes.

The north African side made history by reaching the quarter-finals for the first time, while Spain gazed forlornly back at theirs and must now wonder if it is time to move on.

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Spain’s coach Luis Enrique arrives with some members of Spain team at the Adolfo Suarez Madrid-Barajas airport on the outskirts of Madrid on December 7, 2022, one day after being disqualified from the Qatar 2022 World Cup football tournament. – Spain was defeated by Morocco in the last 16 yesterday, falling 3-0 on penalties after 120 goalless minutes. (Photo by Thomas COEX / AFP)
DOHA: The Morocco players fell back on defense and patiently watched as Spain kept passing the ball around midfield during their round of 16 match at the World Cup. Side to side, from one Spanish player to another.
DOHA: Spain sacked coach Luis Enrique on Thursday after the 2010 champions were dumped out of the World Cup by Morocco at the last-16 stage earlier this week. Luis de la Fuente was named as Spain's new coach, shortly after the former was sacked on the same day. “Both the president, Luis Rubiales, and the sporting director, Jose Francisco Molina, have told the coach their decision,” the Spanish FA said in a statement.
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