The Spanish National Team Shows Off Scoring Five Goals in Preparation for the European Cup

The Spanish national team defeated the Andorran national team 5-0 in an international friendly match in Badajoz, just days before the start of the 2024 European Football Cup.

Playing with an unusual lineup due to the absence of key players such as Rodri, Dani Carvajal, Lamine Yamal, and Nico Williams, Spain still managed an easy victory against their modest opponent. Real Sociedad striker and captain Mikel Oyarzabal led the charge with a hat-trick after coming on at halftime, scoring in the 55th, 66th, and 76th minutes. The other two goals were netted by Sevilla striker Ayoze Pérez in the 24th minute and Barcelona’s Ferran Torres in the 81st minute.

Spanish national team coach, Luis de la Fuente, praised the performance of young midfielder Pedri, who has been returning to form after long injury absences. “He will be back to his previous level. I have no doubt about that. He has become more confident in himself. He has great talent, and you can always expect him to do his best.”

Regarding the difficulty of reducing the squad from 29 players to 26, the 62-year-old coach added, “I am sure it will be difficult. I will not say more out of respect for the players, and you will know when the time for the decision comes.”

La Roja hopes to make a strong showing in the upcoming continental tournament, aiming to recapture the glory they achieved between 2008 and 2012. During that period, Spain dominated world of football, winning the European Cup twice (2008 in Austria and Switzerland, and 2012 in Poland and Ukraine) and securing the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

Under the leadership of Luis Enrique, the Spanish national team qualified for the 2022 World Cup finals in Qatar, but their journey ended in the Round of 16 with a penalty shootout loss to Morocco.

Spain, three-time European champion (a record shared with Germany), will play a second friendly match on Saturday against Northern Ireland before heading to Germany, the host of Euro 2024. There, they will compete in the second group, dubbed the “Group of Death,” alongside Italy, Croatia, and Albania.