Spain is gearing up to defend itself against the “invisible enemy” of overconfidence as they prepare for their next match in the Eurocup. The national team’s significant 5-0 victory over Portugal marked the most substantial win of the tournament’s opening day. However, they remain focused, recognizing that this was only the beginning. With a crucial match against Belgium approaching, alongside Italy and Portugal’s performances affecting their standings, Spain aims to secure a spot in the quarter-finals—and possibly finish at the top of their group.
The phrase “game by game” isn’t just a motto of coach Montse Tomé; it’s a shared philosophy within the team, emphasizing the need for humility. Defender Olga Carmona noted, “We cannot let the 5-0 result confuse us.” Tomé reinforced this sentiment: “While the public may comment on Spain’s capabilities, we are committed to staying calm. If we assume victory before playing, we will lose our competitiveness.”
In the lead-up to the match, the coaching staff has worked to maintain the players’ composure. “The key is to stay connected and then disconnect, reminding ourselves that we’ve only won one match,” Tomé stated. They see Belgium as a formidable opponent, perhaps even more daunting than Portugal due to their distinct playing style and collective pressing strategy. “Belgium transitions well and finds quick offensive opportunities. We need to dominate them to disrupt their game,” Tomé analyzed, highlighting standout players like Wullaert and their strategic play.
As for team selections, Spain’s lineup appears solid with the return of Irene Paredes to the defense, but uncertainty looms over players Cata Coll and Aitana Bonmatí. Both are dealing with fitness issues, and Tomé is cautious about revealing their status to avoid giving any advantages to Belgium. Although Coll has participated minimally in training, her inclusion in the squad remains unclear. Bonmatí’s situation is more hopeful, with Tomé expressing confidence in her recovery despite the challenges she faced leading up to the tournament.
Carmona emphasized the importance of vigilance against Belgium, who need to win to stay in contention. “We know our strengths and areas for improvement. We managed well against Portugal’s key players, but we recognize that Belgium is one of the best teams at transitioning play, and we aim to keep them under our watch,” she remarked. With strong chemistry developing on the field, particularly between her and forward Esther, Carmona is optimistic about their ability to score.
The team is balanced and aware that football’s unpredictability can lead to unexpected outcomes. With a positive mindset, Spain looks to convert their preparations and hard work into tangible success against Belgium.