Enrique did not know Spain was in danger of being eliminated
"Can we be eliminated?" Enrique asked back when reporters mentioned the risk of Spain being eliminated at a press conference after Japan's 1-2 defeat at Khalifa Stadium. "I don't care about the other match, when will that happen? I don't know the result. If I knew, I would have had a heart attack."
Yesterday, Spain completely controlled the first half, with the ball holding rate always above 80%. They opened the scoring thanks to Alvaro Morata's header in the 11th minute, and missed many other delicious opportunities. At the same time, Germany also led Costa Rica 1-0 thanks to Serge Gnabry's header after the first half. This result will send both Spain and Germany through.
In just 142 seconds of the second half, Japan shocked when leading 2-1 thanks to Ritsu Doan's cannon shot from outside the box and Ao Tanaka's close-range finish. At the same time, in the other match, Germany let Costa Rica come upstream and lead 1-2. These results push Spain down to third, while Germany is out, meaning Japan and Costa Rica go through.
Towards the end of the match, only Germany reversed the position when winning 4-2. This result was not enough to help the army under Hansi Flick continue, but brought Spain into the 1/8 round with second place, after Japan. In the next round, Japan met Croatia at Al Janoub Stadium, Al Wakrah City on February 5, and Spain played Morocco at Education City Stadium, Al Rayyan City a day later.
Enrique was not satisfied with the performance of his students, especially in the second half, despite careful instructions at the halftime break. "We were not at risk in the first half, and told the players to be careful because Japan has nothing to lose," he said. "But we fell again and Japan could even score two more. Spain went on, but I never celebrate defeat."
On Khalifa field, VAR caused controversy when it recognized Tanaka's decisive goal, from Kaoru Mitoma's effort to save the ball on the left. Initially, the referee Victor Gomes did not recognize the goal because the line referee announced that the ball had passed the line. But after a few minutes of conferring with his assistants and VAR, Mr. Gomes decided to concede the goal.
Enrique also did not know if Mitoma crossed when the ball had crossed the line or not. "From my point of view, the ball is clearly half out. I can't say more because the speed is too fast," said the 52-year-old coach. "If the ball goes out and Japan is awarded a goal because I will be very disappointed. But the referees say the ball is still in the field."
According to the bracket, if they beat Morocco in the 1/8 round, Spain will probably meet Portugal in the quarter-finals and then France in the semi-finals.
