The Spanish national team concluded its preparation for the 2026 World Cup with a solid 1-3 victory against Peru. Oyarzabal, Pedri, and an own goal sealed a win that, while not brilliant, showed a team with clear ideas and a defense that barely conceded clear chances. A useful test to gauge competitive rhythm.
Possession as a system: an engine that needs adjustments ⚙️
The team maintained its trademark ball control with 68% possession, but the real progress was in the pressing after losing the ball. The defensive line, pushed up almost 40 meters, forced Peru to make mistakes in their build-up play. The own goal came from that pressure. However, the lack of a reference striker remains an open debate: Oyarzabal moved well, but the team lacks a pure finisher in the box.
The VAR also wanted to celebrate the friendly 🎭
Everything was going well until the referee decided to review a possible penalty for Peru in the 78th minute. After four minutes of review, the VAR ruled that there was nothing. The Peruvian fans, who were already celebrating the penalty, had to settle for a resigned gesture from the coach. Good thing the match was a friendly, because otherwise, technology would have had its own suspenseful chapter.