The 2022 FIFA World Cup promised so much for Spain after the 7-0 hammering of Costa Rica, but it came to an unceremonious end for La Roja in a second-successive round of 16 penalty shootout embarrassment. Morocco defended resolutely, and Bono stepped up when it mattered most.
RATINGS:
Unai Simón: 7 – Called upon once when he made a vital save on Cheddira’s close range shot in the first half of extra time. Saved a penalty in the shootout.
Marcos Llorente: 3 – Struggled immensely against the deft trickery of Sofiane Boufal, and failed to add any substance going forward.
Rodri: 6 – Completed the most passes of anyone in the game but nothing incisive against the resistance Morocco block. Made a brilliant recovery on Cheddira in the second half of extra time, despite being visibly exhausted.
Aymeric Laporte: 5 – Similar to Rodri. Booked in the second half of normal time.
Jordi Alba: 5 – Enjoyed a lot of the ball but was not afforded room to display the best of his creativity. Barely any of his crosses found a man.
Sergio Busquets: 4 – Recycled possession with no real impact. Missed the third of Spain’s three penalties in the shootout.
Gavi: 5 – Involved in the thick of things, contesting 11 duels, winning five, in his 63 minutes on the pitch. Gave away four fouls, but won four himself.
Pedri: 6 – The main source of creation from Spain, but limited to a much deeper role as he aimed to find a long ball in behind or out onto the flanks. Achieved 100% long pass accuracy but was restricted in his impact nonetheless.
Ferran Torres: 4 – An ineffective night against a very tight Morocco backline that offered limited room.
Marco Asensio: 3 – Just as ineffective as Ferran, being caught offside during Morocco’s only lapse in the first half. Hauled off in the 63rd minute.
Dani Olmo: 6 – The most impactful of the front three again. Put in a steady defensive shift, and had a few attempts at goal, albeit with little impact.
SUBSTITUTES:
Álvaro Morata: 4 – Shot off target a couple of times, including once right across the face of goal. Wasted a good counter-attack opportunity in extra time.
Nico Williams: 5 – Added pace and energy down the right flank, with a couple of testing crosses that were dealt with by Morocco.
Pablo Sarabia: 3 – Subbed on at the end of extra time by Luis Enrique with penalties in mind. Cracked the post in the final added minute of extra time. Cracked the post in the shootout.
Carlos Soler: 4 – Missed Spain’s second penalty in the shootout disaster.
Ansu Fati: 5
Alejandro Balde: 5
GSFN | Roddur Mookherjee
