Mikel Oyarzabal hat-trick leads Spain to 5-0 friendly win over Andorra
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Spain midfielder Rodri celebrates with Mikel Oyarzabal (left) after scoring against Brazil in a friendly match in March 2024.
PHOTO: AFP
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BADAJOZ – Spain coach Luis de la Fuente has a headache – he has to cut three players from his 29-man squad for Euro 2024 and he believes it is a difficult decision to make, especially when his team are playing well together.
On June 5, attacking midfielder Mikel Oyarzabal climbed off the bench to score three times in the second half and help La Roja to a 5-0 friendly victory over Andorra in Badajoz, in Spain’s south-west.
De la Fuente fielded a much-changed squad who, despite dominating from the start, struggled to turn 75 per cent of possession into scoring opportunities in a dour first half against their lowly rivals.
Former Newcastle United and Leicester City forward Ayoze Perez, who was making his international debut at the age of 30, gave the hosts the lead in the 24th minute and was Spain’s lone bright spot before the break.
He was a constant menace running up and down the left channel and made his case for a place in the final 26-man squad which de la Fuente will name on June 8.
Real Sociedad’s Oyarzabal, who was one of four substitutions at half-time, extended the lead in the 53rd minute with a tidy finish from a low cross by Perez.
Perez almost scored what would have been Spain’s third with a brilliant angled volley that was denied on the goal line by a defender.
“It was a dream debut,” said Perez, who scored five goals in Real Betis’ last seven La Liga games in the recent season.
“To score a goal and give an assist is just great, I’m delighted. Every ball I controlled, every run I made, I put it all together towards my goal that is making the team.
“I tried to seize the opportunity in every practice session and in the game.
“Now it’s up to the coach to make the best decision for the team. It is a special opportunity.”
It was Oyarzabal who ended up scoring Spain’s third from a quick counter in the 66th minute and he got his hat-trick in the 73rd when he fired home a rebound from inside the box.
Ferran Torres wrapped up a comprehensive victory eight minutes later on another counter-attack.
De la Fuente will decide on his squad before Spain face Northern Ireland in Mallorca on June 8.
It will be their final warmup game before they start their European Championship campaign on June 15 against Croatia in Group B.
They will also take on Italy and Albania in what is said to be the “Group of Death”.
“It will be hard to decide on the three discards. Those who have come are already part of the group. I have arguments to keep all of them,” the coach said.
“Ayoze and others showing this level of play does not surprise me. Given the level, I think this team can do something important in the Euro.
“The decision will be very well thought out.” REUTERS
