The two singled out in Spain after the defeat in the Nations League final 2i1v55

Spain once again fell just short of a title, this time in the Nations League final against Portugal. The outcome was decided in the penalty shootout, where luck was not on the side of the team led by Luis de la Fuente. Although the defeat came in a context of maximum equality, attention has been focused on two specific figures: the national team coach and the forward Álvaro Morata, who have been singled out as the main culprits of the stumble.

-Álvaro Morata 2r2vl

Morata's entry in extra time was surprising both for the timing of the substitution and his subsequent performance. The attacker barely participated in the game and ended up being the only one to miss his penalty kick. His inclusion in the lineup had already sparked debate among fans and the press, and the missed penalty has only fueled the criticism. Many believe that his presence on the field was unnecessary and that there were other more appropriate options to face that crucial moment.

-Luis de la Fuente 30j48

Luis de la Fuente also didn't come out well after the final whistle. His handling of substitutions puzzled more than one person, especially when withdrawing key players like Lamine Yamal and Pedri while the game was still open. The coach's decisions left a Spain that had been showing good signs in the tournament unanswered, and the choice of certain replacements raised doubts about his tactical judgment in moments of maximum pressure.

The defeat hurts not only because of how it happened but also because of the feeling that some decisions could have been avoided. The national team let a golden opportunity slip away, and now criticism is aimed at specific individuals. Neither the penalty shootout nor the result have managed to stop the ongoing debate surrounding the leadership on the sidelines and the squad selection.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Los dos señalados en España tras la derrota en la final de la Nations League