Offensive Juggernaut: Spain’s Group Stage Dominance And Georgia’s Strategic Challenge – Scout Report

Whilst many fans had recognised the Spanish national team’s pedigree in major international tournaments ahead of Euro 2024, very few would’ve predicted their passage through the ‘group of death’ in such a dominant fashion.

For his first major tournament as head coach, Luis de la Fuente’s multifaceted tactics have allowed Spain to progress to the round of 16 relatively unscathed, having been afforded the luxury of multiple personnel switches to keep their opposition guessing.

Spain topped Group B in a dominant fashion, progressing to the knockout rounds without conceding a single goal and racking up a perfect nine points for just the second time since 2008, where they inevitably went on to be crowned champions!

Having asserted their dominance in this competition, they have been rewarded with the trickier side of the knockout bracket, with the likes of France, Germany and Portugal standing in their way of a spot in the final.

However, having observed Spain’s ability to inject new life and ideologies when facing different opponents across the group stage, they certainly demand respect and will be a team to be feared in the latter stages.

This tactical analysis and scout report will begin to highlight just how de la Fuente’s side has set the standards, with their attacking flair and ability to delve from the preconceived identity from years gone by.

Our analysis will also look ahead to Spain’s clash with Georgia in the round of 16, with insight into how they can potentially be exploited, with their tactics not being 100% perfect despite their incredible record thus far.

La Roja are on a roll, with excellent team cohesion and all but one of their players being able to get much-needed game time under their belts.

But will their fine form continue as we approach the business end of the tournament?

Breaking the press

Spain have asserted themselves as an excellent side when breaking the opposition press, finding multiple avenues to attack the space found when exploiting the defensive structure of their opponents.

Their current crop have highlighted just how effective they can be when speeding up their attacking sequences, using incredible tempo as opposed to their usual ball dominance and grinding out opportunities with their intricate, short passing moves.

In fact, their encounter with Croatia marked the end of a 16-year streak in which Spain had achieved more possession than their opposition, finally ending their 136-match run with just 47% in the 3-0 victory.

The monumental event marks a switch in approach for de la Fuente, with a desire to increase Spain’s verticality and become more direct.

Throughout the tournament, Spain have persisted with building out in the 2-5-3, focusing on a triangle between both central defenders and the ever-present Rodri at the base of the Spanish midfield.

The two full-backs have been deployed fairly wide but not too advanced initially to bait opposition wide players to press intensely and create space through the channels.

The two advanced midfielders, Fabián Ruiz and Pedri, have the license to roam between the lines and interchange where they see fit, ultimately providing for the Spanish front three, with their wingers showcasing their 1v1 ability to great effect this tournament.

Spain’s direct nature was perfectly depicted by their opening goal against Albania, utilising their central defenders progressive and technical proficiency to break the lines.

After the Albanian press had initially worked hard to negate passing outlets for Vivian, they were slow to shift across and stop Laporte from picking out the darting run of Olmo through the half-space.

The Leipzig player was subsequently able to thread a perfectly weighted ball through to the inverting Ferran Torres, who could guide the ball into the far corner.

Against a sterner press, Spain have been able to cut through their opposition when both central defenders are occupied.

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