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Spain capitalized on this stroke of fortune, with Fabian Ruiz doubling their lead in the 13th minute. However, Spain’s advantage was tempered when Robin Le Normand was shown a red card for bringing down Breel Embolo, leaving Spain to battle with ten men. De La Fuente substituted Pedri for defender Daniel Vivian to shore up the defense, but Zeki Amdouni managed to pull one back for Switzerland just before halftime with an assist from Embolo.
The second half saw Ferran Torres replace Yamal and gradually influence the game. His precise cut-back set up Ruiz for his second goal in the 77th minute. Torres then rounded off Spain’s performance with a calm finish to seal the win.
Despite playing with an extra man for over 70 minutes, Switzerland failed to capitalize, managing just 10 shots in the second half, none of which were on target. Spain, on the other hand, converted both of their attempts in the second period. The result leaves Switzerland languishing at the bottom of the group, while Spain climbs to second place.
Here’s a breakdown of the player ratings for Spain:
Spain Player Ratings
- David Raya – 7/10
Raya was sharp between the posts, making two crucial first-half saves and distributing the ball with 67% accuracy. - Daniel Carvajal – 6.5/10
Carvajal had a solid defensive performance, winning two duels and making five clearances. However, his attempted clearance that led to Switzerland’s goal was a blip in an otherwise decent game. He also received a booking. - Robin Le Normand – 4.5/10
Le Normand’s match was marred by a reckless last-man foul on Embolo, which led to his red card and significantly impacted Spain’s defensive stability. - Aymeric Laporte – 6.5/10
Laporte was busy throughout, winning three duels and contributing with two clearances, two blocks, and one interception. - Alejandro Grimaldo – 6.5/10
Grimaldo was reliable defensively, winning three duels and making two interceptions and one clearance. However, his contributions in attack were limited, with no accurate crosses. - Pedri – 6.5/10
Pedri’s early exit due to tactical adjustments didn’t allow him to make a significant impact, but his initial contributions were solid. - Rodri – 6.5/10
As captain, Rodri managed the midfield with precision, distributing the ball with a remarkable 93% accuracy and winning both of his duels. - Fabian Ruiz – 9/10
Ruiz was the standout performer, scoring twice with well-timed shots. He dominated the midfield with one duel won and four interceptions, showcasing a complete and commanding performance.
Spain’s win was a masterclass in football, with Ruiz and Joselu taking center stage in a match that highlighted Spain’s strength and resilience.
