Spain made it five wins from five in the UEFA Nations League with a 2-0 victory over 10-man Czechia at the epet ARENA in Prague on Thursday night.
Luis de la Fuente’s side was much-changed with seven changes but still had most of the ball, although they did not break through until the 39th minute. A VAR review caught Lukáš Ambros handling in the box, and Álex Baena put the penalty into the bottom corner. Fabián Ruiz hit the post before the break, and Yéremy Pino had a goal ruled out for offside two minutes into the second half.
Czechia’s hopes faded when Ladislav Krejčí was sent off midway through the second half. In stoppage time, substitute Marc Pubill won the ball high up the pitch and rolled it into the bottom corner to seal the win.
Dean Huijsen ran Spain’s play from the back. He had 116 touches, more than anyone else on the pitch, and completed 98 of 103 passes (95%). Twelve of those passes went into the final third, and he found a teammate with five of his eight long balls. He also made two tackles, two interceptions, five clearances and five recoveries.
His one weakness was in the air. Huijsen won only one of four aerial duels. He also missed a big chance in the first half when his header went straight at Matěj Kovář.
Marc Cucurella was Spain’s most dangerous creator. He set up three chances, two of them big chances, and finished with 1.18 expected assists (xA). On another night that would have brought at least one assist. He completed 59 of 64 passes (92%) and got five touches in the Czech box.
His crossing was less sharp as neither of his two crosses reached a teammate, but Spain had so much of the ball that he had little defending to do and he made no tackles and lost both duels he contested.
Spain will now play England on Sunday in Madrid to decide who will top the group.
