Following Spain’s draw with Germany, former Paris Saint-Germain coach Mauricio Pochettino said he is “worried” about Spain.
After destroying Costa Rica 7-0 in their opening World Cup match, La Roja met Hansi Flick’s team in their second group match. After their victory, many predicted that they would be among the favorites to win the competition.
Their second meeting, though, was a cagey contest in which the two sides frequently neutralized one another. Alvaro Morata’s goal was necessary to get the game going, but Spain was unable to keep the three points.
Instead, after Niclas Füllkrug scored with seven minutes left, and they were forced to accept a draw. Despite the loss, Spain still leads Group E, and a win over Japan will guarantee their spot in the round of 16.
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Pochettino, though, is still skeptic about their ability to win in Qatar this year. The Argentinean singled out two shortcomings that, in his opinion, will prevent Spain from winning the World Cup.
“This is the World Cup, it’s not easy to keep the same level as Spain show against Costa Rica. Germany’s a great team, good players, tough opposition but today I’m a little worried for Spain,” he told BBC Sport.
“Because after Costa Rica they maybe thought this competition would be nothing, now maybe some weakness, some weakness.
“Maybe they feel the pressure of the game, when the German go high to press, trying to find a solution in the build up and some problems, some mistakes, and the Germans finished the game stronger.”
