COMMENT: Vicente del Bosque's new-look side started Euro 2016 qualifying in style and their under-fire goalkeeper also proved a point after some trying times of late
By Ben Hayward | Spanish Football Writer
Joachim Low looks like he was right about Spain. The Germany coach claimed on Saturday that la Roja would be back among the contenders at Euro 2016 and, on Monday, Vicente del Bosque's side put in a performance to suggest that may well be the case.
Spain crashed out of the World Cup in the group stages following back-to-back defeats to Netherlands and Chile in Brazil. That turned out to be the final frontier for many of the side's "golden generation", with David Villa, Xavi and Xabi Alonso all announcing their international retirement in the following weeks.
Friday's friendly in Paris was supposed to be the glimpse of a new Spain side, but that too ended in disappointment with a 1-0 loss and more questions over the team's inability to score goals. Monday's morale-boosting victory over a meek Macedonia in Valencia was therefore much-needed - and it showed that Spain still have the hunger and the quality to succeed at the very highest level. Back in France for Euro 2016 in two years' time, they should fare much better.
Regardless of the rival, Spain's attitude impressed at the Ciutat de Valencia. With Xavi and Alonso out of the picture and Andres Iniesta injured, Cesc Fabregas revelled in a starting role he has craved for so long in this team's midfield. Alongside him, Koke also did well and, further forward, David Silva taunted the eastern Europeans' defence all evening in a man of the match performance reminiscent of his finest displays for Spain.
"The performance was good," Del Bosque said afterwards. "We combined well and we created chances, although I would have liked more continuity in our play."
Although not always fluid in terms of passing, Spain's pressing was back in evidence as the Macedonians were forced deep into their own half. Sergio Ramos' audacious 'Panenka' penalty made it 1-0 after a quarter of an hour and, two minutes later, local lad Paco Alcacer added another on his competitive debut after good work from Juanfran.
The Atletico full-back then gave away a penalty at the other end, but Spain soon restored their two-goal advantage as Sergio Busquets hit home a deflected effort before the break in what was his first international strike. After that, Silva slotted in an angled drive for 4-1, before the tempo dropped in the latter stages. Pedro, a tireless worker throughout, then scored another in the closing seconds as he ran onto a pass from Silva and chipped Tomislav Pacovski.
By that time, Del Bosque had sent on Marc Bartra, Isco and Barca youngster Munir El Haddadi for his debut, barely two weeks after making his Blaugrana bow. Having featured in a competitive game at this level, his international future now lies with Spain and not Morocco. He will also provide a goal threat and an alternative to Diego Costa, still struggling to adapt to Spain's style.
"He is quick and he scores goals," Del Bosque explained. "If he plays, we know he can create something at any moment."
So it was a satisfactory night all round and captain Iker Casillas was also back on form following a forgettable World Cup and an apparent crisis of confidence at Real Madrid, making three superb saves on Monday.
"We used a different goalkeeper in each game," added Del Bosque, who picked De Gea against France on Thursday. "And we are happy with the two of them. Iker and De Gea both did well." At the moment, however, the Real Madrid man looks to have the edge when it comes to starting in competitive games.
It was only Macedonia at home and it's only a start but it's a promising one as Spain rebuild in an attempt to claim their third successive European Championship. On this evidence, la Roja remain a force at the highest level despite their recent troubles and, if Iker can stay in this fine form, the captain can lead them all the way to Paris in 2016.
Follow Ben Hayward on