Man of the match: L. Yamal (7): Not the young Barcelona prodigy’s greatest match, but still a remarkable performance. He did a lot of harm to this Danish left side, by hitting, combining with his teammates, and harassing the ball carriers. His offensive activity was hampered by a Danish game plan put in place against him, but that did not prevent him from making his teammates play and being dangerous. Released at the end of the match for the first minutes with La Roja S. Gomez (90+3′).
Spain (4-3-3):
D. Raya (5,5): A fairly calm meeting for the Arsenal goalkeeper, who did not necessarily use his gloves a lot. Where he performed best, and stood out the most, was on the restart, where he sometimes found full-axis openings which made the game easier for his team.
A. Grimaldo (5.5): Centers, centers, and more centers. The full-back makes 5, and most of them could have been played better by his teammates. However, he made two average shots, which did not really worry Schmeichel. Defensively, the full-back did the necessary job.
A. Laporte (5.5): Correct restarts, very satisfactory aerial protection in the area, the native of Agen showed that he still has the international level, and that he is capable of managing a match from start to finish, with consistency.
D. Vivian (5,5): A decent match also for the Bilbao central defender, who found good openings during restarts. In managing depth he was important, just as he was good in resisting pressure in the first half.
P. Porro (6): Aligned as a right-back, the Spurs player took advantage of the absence of the usual starters to find his way into the starting line-up. And he showed that he could indeed make Carvajal and Navas forget, by combining a lot with Yamal, via counter-calls, or even in small spaces. Defensively, he still has this aggressiveness, this grinta, which makes him a solid and rough defender.
F. Ruiz (5,5): He who has taken on a new dimension in the Spain team since the Euro, put in a solid match. Often in good shots on the left side, he still completes three dribbles in the match. On the other hand, he was not the precise triggerman we know, not targeting any of his three shots.
M. Zubimendi (6): He, on the other hand, was successful with his volley in the 79th, because he found a small deflection from Hojbjerg, which allowed him to open the scoring late. Apart from that, he was very often placed as a third central defender in possession, to play the role of a restarter. He carried out this task without worry, and with a certain apparent ease.
Pedri (6.5): One of the most impactful players on the pitch for Spain. The one who has recently returned from an injury has shown that he still has the level of a starter in the Spanish team. Precise in his ball handling, technical in small spaces, and always ready to combine, he showed great passing and vision qualities. His agility also allows him to keep the ball well. Take care of his coach, he goes out early to M. Merino (62′).
M. Oyarzabal (5,5): Rather technically correct, the Real Sociedad winger made the necessary calls, and showed good things in the projection. He perhaps lacked a little technique to really endanger the opposing defense. Replaced by A. Brothers (62′).
A. Morata (5.5): Active and interesting in the build-up to the game, the AC Milan striker was in good form. Often stalling, he combined with the Spanish advanced midfielders, while sometimes offering deeper calls. However, mood swings perhaps prevented him from getting into his match, a shame for a captain. Released for Joselu (78′).
L. Yamal (7): see above.
Denmark (3-4-3):
K. Schmeichel (7): If his team loses in the end, the Danish goalkeeper really has nothing to do with it. Suffering an unfortunate deviation on the only goal of the match, this spoiled a match which was nevertheless successful for him. Author of 5 saves, including a very good exit on Morata in the 62nd, he was decisive at the right moments. Often effective on his outings, he often saved his defense.
V. Nelson (3): In great defensive difficulty on his side, he really lacked a certain quality of judgment of actions. His placement, as well as his speed of execution, left something to be desired, and opened the field to Spain.
J. Verstergaard (5.5): The Danish giant managed his match well, being even more solid at the end of the match than at the start. He was imperial in this second half, not leaving Morata too much space. On the restart, he was rather relevant, opening the way for his attackers a few times.
R. Kristensen (5): Rather solid defensively, the former Roman showed a certain quality in the defensive position. On the other hand, by moving forward to progress the game, he sometimes left spaces behind his back.
V. Kristiansen (4): Not very comfortable technically, Leicester’s left piston did not shine, and seemed a little overwhelmed by events at times. He conceded two well-placed free kicks in the first half, receiving a yellow card at the same time. Denmark also suffered from frequent turnovers.
M. Wheelman (4): In this four-man environment, he frankly did not manage the strong and weak moments of his team well. When his team began to hold the ball, he made technical errors, leading to turnovers, and when they suffered, he was often the initiator.
IN. Hojbjerg (5): Fairly flat, the Marseille midfielder and Danish captain did not really influence offensively. He sometimes combined a little bit, but was mostly content to fill the holes in the middle of the field. He is unhappy on Zubimendi’s goal, he who blocks his shot, but he can perhaps do better previously on the action.
A. Bah (6): Technically comfortable, the right piston showed good things, notably four successful dribbles, but was above all clean. He didn’t mess up much, if at all, and kept his team moving forward. Without being decisive, he made his contribution, and has nothing to reproach himself for in this match.
K. Eriksen (6.5): Very influential in the first period of this meeting, he was the nerve center of the Danish attack. He oriented the game, hit the ball at his feet, and sent his teammates deep, and all this with the natural class that characterizes him. It was even important for recovery. Released for Lazio player from Rome G. Isaksen (73′).
K. Dolberg (5): Rather active, the former Nice player showed good calling qualities, especially in the first period. Unfortunately for Denmark, he missed the finish and the last pass. Not decisive enough in this match therefore. Replaced by Y. Poulsen (73′).
A. Gronbaek (5,5): A satisfactory match for the Rennes left winger, who showed at times that he was a technical and agile player, able to cross, and quite correctly. Without taking too much risk, he contributed to this Danish attack. Replaced by R. Hojlund (78′).
