It might be hard to understand how Spain played so poorly during the last summer and yet they are almost reaching the perfection in every game since that nightmare. Certainly, the main problems in Russia were an extremely weak defense and especially a clear decadence in the famous style of possession.

Precisely, the Tiki-Taka was implemented by Luis Aragones, the manager who won the Eurocup in 2008 with Spain in the best tournament ever played by the national team according to most of the supporters. After his leaving, Vicente del Bosque continued on a similar path until the eventual and inevitable decline of Xavi, Xabi Alonso, Iniesta, and Silva.

Thus, Spain looked to find another perfect coach in Lopetegui, who managed the team in 20 matches in which outclassed Italy, France and Argentina. Unfortunately, just two days before the World Cup starting he was sacked and despite he had never lost a game during his period of two years in charge, he had to leave a team who seemed indeed capable on triumphing at Russia, and yet the adventure finished in tears.

Wales 1-4 Spain

With Spain still filled with pessimism and hunger after the disastrous summer campaign, the former manager of Barcelona, Luis Enrique, was appointed to raise up a team without key players such as Iniesta, Silva and Piqué, who announced their retirement from the national team.

Nevertheless, Spain obtained a couple of victories during the last month, against England at Wembley and also they destroyed Croatia by an impressive 6-0. Certainly, Luis Enrique has already revived the spirit of a team who is still full of excellent players.

Technically, the main difference is that Saul has consolidated after failing to do with Del Bosque, Lopetegui and Hierro.

He is a complete midfielder that apart from quality in the passing, contributes along Busquets or Rodri to help in the pressure and when defending. Besides, Rodrigo, Alcácer and Aspas are in excellent shape and it will certainly be a tough decision to leave one of them out from the match against England.

The British nightmare

Although Giggs has already said that the most important match it will be against the Republic of Ireland, the thrashed suffered yesterday it may raise concerns among the supporters. Especially during the first half of the match, they were incapable of retaining possession and gave many defensives facilities for the Spanish forwards.

Meanwhile, Scotland lost in Israel in spite of scoring the first goal of the match. However, the hosts produced a deserving come back. Today, England and Northern Ireland will seek victories in Croatia and Austria, respectively.

In perhaps the most thrilling match of the evening, Poland started to win at home against Portugal to finally being defeated by 2-3. That means that if Poland and Italy draw between themselves in the next match, the European winners will be mathematically qualified for the next summer finals.