El Pais breaks down why Morocco was able neutralize the Spanish attack despite the suffocating drumbeat of passes. The Atlas Lions were able to cut off the passing lanes to Pedri and Sergio Busquets by employing a 5 man cordon leaving the midfield isolated from the backfield. Forcing Pedri to forge from less advantageous positions to try and create attacking space on his own into cul de sacs created by a well drilled and prescient defence led by Sofyan Amrabat and Roman Saiss.
The analysis overlooks Luis Enrique’s almost criminal neglect of a plan B, with the belated arrival of Alvaro Morata, Nico Williams, and Ansu Fati. A step too late. And yet, had Pablo Sarabia been a tiny bit more fortunate it would have been Spain through in the 123rd minute. Tiny margins! Which makes Morocco’s win all the more special. They were the more composed side and buried in this narrative is the fact they also created some good chances keeping Unai Simon quite busy.