The final international break of the year is upon us and La Roja have two integral fixtures on the horizon. They face Greece on Thursday night before taking on Sweden on Sunday in the knowledge that should they win both games, their place at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar is safe and secured.
👋🏻🇬🇷 ¡¡Hola, Atenas!!
🏛 La expedición de la @SeFutbol ha tomado tierra en la capital griega procedente de Madrid en vuelo operado por @Iberia.
🚌 El grupo ya se dirige en autocar al hotel de concentración para descansar. #VamosEspaña #Catar2022 pic.twitter.com/lJ3BecBZHb
— Selección Española de Fútbol (@SeFutbol) November 9, 2021
Should they fail to win both games, however, things could get complicated given how competitive the play-off system is. Sweden are, as things stand, in pole position. A competent and well-balanced side, they’re two points clear of Spain in first.
But there’s a good vibe around the Spanish national team right now. They played daring football in the Nations League final four, beating Italy in the semi-final only to lose to France in the final. They’ll be hoping for two convincing performances this week.
😱 ¡¡BALONES A BUSI!!
🙌🏻 Menuda clase MAGISTRAL de lo que debe ser un pivote la de @5sergiob en el entrenamiento de hoy. Es consciente EN TODO MOMENTO de dónde están todos.
🤯 ¿De verdad no tienes ojos en la nuca, capitán? ¡¡Qué espectáculo!! #VamosEspaña #Catar2022 pic.twitter.com/nz2AbWHAOS
— Selección Española de Fútbol (@SeFutbol) November 9, 2021
Of key importance for Luis Enrique will be the presence of Sergio Busquets at the base of his midfield. The Barcelona midfielder has endured a mixed start to the season at club level, but he’s showed he still has what it takes to flourish within a functional system – and that’s what the Spanish national team have. He showed his class during training this morning in a short clip.
