After stunning 6-0 thrashing of Germany in Seville on Tuesday, Spain qualified for the UEFA Nations League finals. The visitors suffered their worst loss in a competitive game and the most embarrassing after losing by the same score to Austria in a friendly in 1931.
As Sergio Canales was taken off, Spain endured an early injury loss, but his substitute Fabian Ruiz had an instant impact. He put in a splendid delivery from a corner and Morata rose unmarked in the 17th minute at the far post to head home.
After RB Leipzig’s Dani Olmo hit the crossbar with a headed effort, Spain doubled their lead 16 minutes through Ferran Torres. City teammate Rodri made it 3-0 with his head seven minutes before halftime. However, Spain lost Captain Sergio Ramos to injury two minutes before the break and sent Eric Garcia on in his place.
Even in the second half, the Spaniards showed no signs of giving up. Dani Olmo spurned an opportunity to add to Spain’s advantage, allowing Neuer to make a rare save in a match. Neuer who became Germany’s most capped player (96) ahead of Sepp Maier couldn’t stop Torres who snatched the fourth for Spain in 55th minute.
As Ruiz notched another assist in a fine flowing move, Ferran Torres completed his treble 19 minutes from time beating Neuer from outside the box to become the first Spain player to score a hat-trick against Germany. With this hattrick, Ferrán Torres(20-262) has also become the youngest player to score a hattrick in an official game for Spain since 1929. Mikel Oyarzabal of Real Sociedad was sent on with 17 minutes remaining and added a late sixth from Gaya’s second match assist.
Joachim Low said nothing worked out. German team lacked “body language and body tension” he added. Meanwhile, Enrique was flying with joy. “Tonight, was one of those very special nights, where all goes just as expected. The players went all out and did all right. When you combine consistency and attitude, this is what you get”, Spain boss said in the post-match press conference.
