Spain 1-1 Greece: Letting Ramos decide his minutes might not work in competitive games

An Inigo Martinez slip cost Spain on Thursday night. Had it not happened, Spain would have beaten Greece and not been held to a frustrating draw.

It has to be remembered that, with Luis Enrique in charge, Spain have a recognisable style and are going in the right direction. But, that said, only the team who finish top are going straight to the World Cup in Qatar.

Alvaro Morata impressed, scoring a goal and playing well. Bryan Gil‘s debut was also something to celebrate, but the only question is Luis Enrique‘s decision to rest Sergio Ramos at half time. Is agreeing to play just 45 minutes the best idea in a competitive game?

Luis Enrique does have a plan

It’s easy to criticise him after a draw, but the star of this Spain team is Luis Enrique. He has very clear ideas and plans for this team.

He used practically the same team that played in the 6-0 hammering of Germany, with only Sergi Roberto and Pau Torres falling out of the team due to injury.

Spain will have to suffer a lot to reach Qatar

Spanish fans assume that Spain will make it to Qatar, but there’s a lot of work to do before that happens.

With Greece and Sweden in the group, La Roja won’t have it easy. Starting with a slip at home has only made things more complicated.

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Morata with confidence is a top player

Alvaro Morata feels good in this Spain team, and he is repaying Luis Enrique‘s trust in him.

He opened the scoring with a gorgeous goal, while he showed his quality throughout.

Sergio Ramos’ agreements

Ramos started and was taken off at half time in what seemed to be a previously agreed change.

There’s no doubt that Luis Enrique pampers his captain, but this kind of arrangement might not be wise in a competitive game.

Taking a player off after 60 or 75 minutes is very different to doing it at half time.

Inigo’s penalty… and no VAR

Inigo Martinez conceded a penalty that allowed Greece to level, but it was a controversial incident that Spain weren’t happy about.

Promising signs from Bryan Gil

Bryan Gil‘s debut offered encouragement for Spain fans, and he added a lot of pace in attack.