‘We were EMBARRASSED’: Spanish papers blast Luis Enrique’s side for ‘DISMAL’ defeat against Japan

Spanish media criticized the national team after their ‘dismal’ 2-1 loss to Japan, and thanked Germany for coming from behind to beat Costa Rica, which sent Spain to the round of 16.

There was a spell in Thursday night’s simultaneous matches in Group E where both Germany and Spain were kicked out of the 2022 World Cup at the first hurdle.

Hansi Flick’s team came from behind to beat Costa Rica 4-2, sending Spain through on goal difference due to their previous 7-0 thrashing of the CONCACAF men. Spain will now face Morocco on Tuesday in the first of the World Cup qualifiers.

Álvaro Morata celebrated his early goal, but Thursday was not easy for Spain

In his report on Japan’s 2-1 victory game, The sport described the performance of Spain as “terrible”, with the 2010 World Cup winners unable to make the most of their high possession figures in the game.

Spain took the lead in the 11th minute through Álvaro Morata, although two goals early in the second half from substitute Ritsu Doan and Ao Tanaka gave Japan the victory that sealed their first place in the group.

The chaotic events of the night made headlines on Friday in Spain, as they were equally embarrassed by their own team’s performance and appreciative of their European teammates.

“We were embarrassed,” Marca wrote, showing the image showing the ball right on the line.

Marca said: “We were embarrassed,” adding: “A disappointing Spain were knocked out for three minutes and qualified thanks to Germany.”

They featured the photograph of the tight line call in the build up to Japan’s second goal through Tanaka, which turned out to be the winner. Many armchair fans felt the ball went out of play, but there was no evidence that the entire ball went over the entire line, and Japan’s goal stood.

AS wrote ‘Danke!’ to the Germans for helping Spain to the round of 16, albeit at their expense

Mundo Deportivo wrote ‘Thank you Germany’ as their victory over Costa Rica sent Spain through

AS wrote ‘¡Danke!’, German for ‘Thank you!’, after their win helped Spain through to the knockout stage, while Mundo Deportivo also thanked Hansi Flick’s team.

Mundo also pointed out that Spain’s route as second-place finishers means they will avoid playing Argentina until the final. They also mention Brazil in this scenario, although they are not yet confirmed as group winners.

L’Esportiu said Spain “was knocked out for a few minutes in a cold sweat” while Costa Rica led

‘What a scare!’ Sport wrote on their cover, but they said they avoid Brazil or Argentina for now

L’Esportiu said Spain “was knocked out for a few minutes in a cold sweat” as both Japan and Costa Rica were ahead in their matches. Instead, Germany’s victory meant that goal difference sent Luis Enrique’s side through to the round of 16.

On the front page, Sport wrote ‘the team played their worst game’, and that they will then face surprise package Morocco. They also mention Luis Enrique’s quote that he did not know that Spain was left out of the tournament, or else he would have had a ‘heart attack’.

Super Sport wrote about a ‘scare and warning’ in the wake of almost getting out of the World Cup

Super Deporte wrote of a ‘scare and warning’, noting that it was similar to his performance in 2018 ‘with a game full of possession but zero danger against the opposing goal’.

Spain will have to overcome the rollercoaster of emotions associated with Thursday’s events and focus on their knockout clash with surprise package Morocco at Education City Stadium in Al Rayyan.

The winner of that clash will face the winner of Group H or the runner-up of Group G in the quarterfinals next Saturday.

Luis Enrique’s squad will have to reorganize ahead of Spain’s tie against Morocco