Spain player ratings vs Greece
In a game that Spain dominated, with over 80% possession against Greece, they lacked the cutting edge in the final third to open their 2022 World Cup campaign with a victory.
Spain and Greece played out a 1-1 draw in the World Cup 2022 qualifying match at the Estadio de Los Cármenes in Granada on Thursday. We rated each of Luis Enrique's players following the Group B encounter.
Unai Simón: He has taken over the starting position between the posts. In the second half he had no chance of stopping the Greece penalty. 6/10
Marcos Llorente: He played right back in a back four but offered plenty going forward. He is possibly the fittest footballer in Europe and has to continue to start with Spain. 7/10
Eric García: Good at the start of the game. He showed why he is a starter for Luis Enrique. 7/10
Sergio Ramos: Completed 100 passes in the opening 45'. Showed his usual leadership. Tried creating play from deep. He was substituted at halftime in what was reportedly a pre-planned change. 7/10
Gayà: He implements Luis Enrique's tactical requirements to perfection and always offers an outlet down the left. 7/10
Rodri: He is one of the best midfielders in his role in front of the back four. Creates the necessary tempo in the middle. 6/10
Koke: Took the captain's armband from Ramos at halftime. Had a good chance to score in the opening quarter. He was replaced by Thiago in the 71st minute. 7/10
Canales: Attacked the spaces in between the Greek lines and pressed well in the defensive phase. Formed a triangle with Gayà and Olmo on the left. 6/10
Ferran Torres: He has the backing of Luis Enrique and feels important. Always looks for the one on one even if it doesn't work out. Provided cover defensively. He was replaced in the 71st minute by Oyarzabal. 6/10
Morata: He is the first line to press when Spain defend. Took down Koke's cross to finish superbly well for his 19th Spain goal. Often needs more support going forward. 8/10
Dani Olmo: He crashed a super effort from outside the area off the crossbar in the 31st minute. Luis Enrique is a big fan of his, but he'll be hoping to offer more next time out. He was substituted in the 64th minute. 6/10
Substitutions
Íñigo Martínez: He came on in place of Ramos at halftime. Gave away the penalty for following through on his clearance. Was lucky to not receive a red card. 5/10
Bryan Gil: Came on for his debut in the 64th minute. Had a very impressive debut. Went at the Greek right-back at every opportunity. A night to remember, becoming the first ever Eibar player to represent Spain. 8/10
Pedri: He replaced Canales in the 64th minute. He stood out less than Bryan Gil on his debut, but always looked to create when he was on the ball. 6/10
Thiago: The Liverpool player came on in the 71st minute for Koke. He looked to add intensity as Spain went in search of the winning goal. 6/10
Oyarzabal: Came on in the 71st minute for Ferran. Offered little as the game was mostly played on left wing with Bryan Gil. 5/10