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Spain, with its soccer “Tiqui-Taca”, was once considered the latest in world soccer. But after two European championships and the 2010 World Cup title, the National Team has entered a tournament crisis in recent years. This should change again with Luis Enrique.
At the 2014 World Cup, Spain retired as the defending champion, while the 2016 European Championship and the 2018 World Cup meant the last sixteen. And at the Nations League premiere two years ago, the “Red Fury” missed entry to the tournament’s finals. Spain is now only number 7 in the world rankings, but has been undefeated in 14 games.
A player as a symbol of rejuvenation
With Sergio Ramos, Sergio Busquets and Jesús Navas, national coach Luis Enrique continues to have three world champions. The former international built a young and hungry team around veterans. No other player on the squad is over 30 years old. And with Ansu Fati, Spain has possibly the greatest jewel in Europe.
The qualities of the adolescent stimulate the fantasies of every soccer lover. In a 4-0 win over Ukraine a month ago, the forward became the youngest scorer in the history of the Spanish national team and the Nations League at the age of 17 years and 311 days. He also holds this record at FC Barcelona and in the Champions League. Fati comes from Guinea-Bissau and was naturalized just over a year ago.
“Fati can achieve whatever he wants in football”
The media hype about Fati is huge. “He’s used to this attention,” Luis Enrique said before the match against Switzerland. “Still, he’s relaxed and humble.” Now he must continue to grow as a footballer and person in his family and in the club. “We have a clear idea of how we can help him and the other guys.”
The super talent is also greeted with admiration within the national team. His forward partner Ferran Torres said after the gala against Ukraine: “We saw the qualities that Ansu has. He can achieve whatever he wants in football. “
Rekordjagd by Sergio Ramos
Besides Fati, Sergio Ramos, who is twice her age, made headlines recently. The captain, who is playing his 174th international game against Switzerland, edged Iker Casillas in a 0-0 friendly against Portugal on Wednesday and has now played the most minutes for Spain with 13,336. He scored two goals against Ukraine, with Ramos replacing Argentine Daniel Passarella as the most successful international defender with 23 goals.
The four-time Champions League champion with Real Madrid has another record in his sights. Egyptian Ahmed Hassan holds the record for the most international appearances with 184 appearances. Ramos could break that mark at the European Championship in June, especially if Spain put an end to the tournament crisis.
Follow the Nations League match between Switzerland and Spain on Saturday October 10, 2020 starting at 8:45 pm on the live ticker on telebasel.ch and on the Telebasel app.
