What observers say
“Spain look unbeatable right now, but Serbia possess the talent to give them problems,” remarked an analyst ahead of the match. However, the reality on the pitch told a different story as Spain delivered a commanding performance against Serbia, winning 3-0 at the Estadio de la Cerámica in Villarreal.
The match kicked off at 4 p.m. ET, and Spain quickly took control. Mikel Oyarzabal was the star of the first half, scoring two goals that reflected Spain’s dominance. His first goal came in the 23rd minute, followed by another in the 37th, both showcasing his skill and the team’s cohesive play.
As the match progressed, Spain continued to assert their authority. Víctor Muñoz added a third goal in the 65th minute, sealing the fate of the Serbian side. The victory was crucial for Spain, who finished the World Cup qualifiers with 16 points, securing their spot in the 2026 World Cup.
In contrast, Serbia’s performance was underwhelming. Despite having talented players like Aleksandar Mitrovic, they struggled to create meaningful chances. “Serbia were edged for a World Cup playoff place by Albania and they rarely offered any meaningful threat to the home side,” noted a commentator during the match.
Rodri made his first start for Spain since 2024, contributing to the team’s strong midfield presence. The match was a stark reminder of Spain’s potential as they aim for World Cup glory, with their squad being among the favorites.
In the closing stages, Dani Olmo nearly made it 4-0, but his powerful shot was brilliantly saved by Vanja Milinkovic-Savic, who managed to palm the ball to safety. This moment highlighted Serbia’s struggles, as they failed to capitalize on any opportunities.
Spain’s previous match had ended in a 2-2 draw against Turkiye, raising questions about their consistency. However, this decisive win over Serbia has reinstated confidence in their campaign. With the World Cup on the horizon, Spain’s fans are hopeful for a successful tournament.
As the dust settles on this match, the focus now shifts to the upcoming challenges for both teams. Spain will look to build on this momentum, while Serbia must regroup after failing to qualify for the World Cup, finishing third in their group with 13 points.
