Source: Xinhua
Editor: huaxia
2025-09-08 17:41:45
MADRID, Sept. 8 (Xinhua) -- Spain is only two matches into its FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign, but Luis de la Fuente's side already looks like one of the clear favorites for next summer's finals.
The reigning European champion has taken a major step toward qualification after winning what were arguably its two toughest fixtures - away to Bulgaria and Turkey.
Even more impressive has been the manner of those victories. Spain hit three past Bulgaria before routing Turkey 6-0 in the traditionally hostile atmosphere of Konya on Sunday.
De la Fuente has built a team that appears complete across the pitch. Dean Huijsen has slotted into central defense with the assurance of a veteran, while full-backs Marc Cucurella and Pedro Porro provide pace and width going forward.
In midfield, Martin Zubimendi, Pedri and Mikel Merino combine control, creativity and goals - with Merino scoring a hat-trick on Sunday and Pedri adding two more. The depth in reserve, including Rodri, Fermin Lopez, Dani Olmo and Champions League winner Fabian Ruiz, underlines the squad's quality.
Up front, Spain has thrived without a traditional center-forward. Mikel Oyarzabal's movement across the line creates space for wingers Nico Williams and Lamine Yamal, whose pace and one-on-one ability stretch defenses and open opportunities for midfield runners like Merino.
Williams was forced off with a groin injury on Sunday, while De la Fuente managed Yamal's minutes to avoid overuse. But with other options such as Alex Baena soon returning from appendix surgery, Spain's attacking depth remains strong.
Next up, Spain faces Georgia - a side it has beaten three times in the past two years, scoring 14 goals in the process - before a home match against Bulgaria. ■