December 9 – Luis Enrique (pictured) has stepped down as Spain manager following their premature exit at the World Cup. Morocco eliminated his side from the penalty spot in the last 16 following a 120-minute goalless draw.
It was death by passing 2.0 after a similar exit from Russia 2018, and Enrique drew his own conclusions, deciding to resign as coach. The Spanish football federation (RFEF) said that a “new project” would begin soon.
“The RFEF would like to thank Luis Enrique and his entire coaching staff at the helm of the national team in recent years,” read a statement.
“The RFEF has chosen Luis de la Fuente as the new absolute national coach.”
De la Fuente will be tasked with rejuvenating this talented but young Spanish side who passed themselves out of the tournament. Gavi and co had entered the tournament as contenders and backed up their credentials with an impressive 7-0 win against Costa Rica in their curtain raiser, but cracks began to appear in a 1-1 draw with Germany and a 2-1 defeat to Japan in the group phase.
Even so, La Roja progressed to the last 16 where Morocco proved too strong. The North Africans defended with discipline, picked Spain off on the counter and created the best opportunities. Sarabia struck the woodwork in the dying seconds of extra time, but Spain did not convert a single penalty from the spot and went out 3-0, with goalkeeper Yassine Bounou among the heroes for Morocco.
It was the second time in a row that Spain, 2010 world champions, crashed out in the second round on penalties after losing to hosts Russia four years ago after a dramatic shootout as well. In 2014, Spain did not even survive the group phase.
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