Spain’s fate at Unai Simon’s feet in Morocco clash

Spain’s goalkeeper Unai Simon reacts as he attends a press conference at the Qatar National Convention Center (QNCC) in Doha on November 30, 2022, on the eve of the Qatar 2022 World Cup football match between Japan and Spain. (Photo by JAVIER SORIANO / AFP)

Spain’s hopes of winning a second World Cup trophy in Qatar lie in the hands -– and feet –- of goalkeeper Unai Simon.

Luis Enrique’s possession-based system demands a goalkeeper brave enough to distribute to nearby teammates, even when under immense pressure from opposition forwards.

Sometimes it goes woefully wrong, but the coach has kept his faith in Simon, no matter the criticism received after errors.

Simon survived scares against Germany in the 1-1 group stage draw, while he was at fault for Japan’s first goal in their shock 2-1 win over Spain on Thursday.

With Spain losing, for a few minutes La Roja was due to be eliminated.

They dodged that bullet when Germany triumphed, progressing in second place from Group E to set up Tuesday’s last 16 clashes with Morocco.

Japan laid the blueprint for the North African nation to follow, with Spain malfunctioning completely when the Samurai Blue overloaded their system.

“They scored two against us, and if they had needed two more, then they would have scored them too, I’m sure,” said coach Luis Enrique after the game.

With Spain 1-0 up and cruising against Japan at the start of the second half, Simon played the ball out to Alejandro Balde, who was immediately pressed and lost possession.

Ritsu Doan drove the loose ball past Simon at his near post from the edge of the box.

Simon got a hand on it and might have kept it out, with some claiming Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea would have saved the shot.

ITV pundit Gary Neville