Spain beats Czech Republic in Prague, Baena penalty and Pubill goal extend unbeaten run

Spain stays unbeaten in Prague

Spain beat the Czech Republic in Prague on Thursday, 12 November, collecting its fifth win from five matches in the Nations League. The run now stands at 44 matches without defeat, and no official loss has been recorded since March 2023. Luis de la Fuente made seven changes from his previous selection, with five new faces compared with the World Cup final side. The reigning world champions controlled much of the first half, but they lacked the wing play of Lamine Yamal and the vertical passing of Dani Olmo, both of whom were absent.

VAR shapes the match

The turning point came in the 38th minute. A Czech player, Ambros, put his arm out at a corner, and the VAR flagged a penalty that Álex Baena converted. Two minutes after the restart, Yeremy Pino scored, but the VAR ruled the goal out for offside by a few centimetres. Czech Republic had its own chances, including a Provod shot that deflected off Porro and stayed out, and a Hlozek effort that struck the crossbar in the 66th minute after a poor exit by Unai Simón.

Krejci sent off, Pubill seals the win

Czech defender Krejci was shown a red card after grabbing Roberto, who was running clear on goal, and the referee checked the monitor before deciding. Playing with an extra man, Spain controlled the closing stage with possession and attacks, with Fermín and Roberto both creating chances. Marc Pubill then scored the second and decisive goal of the night. The win left Spain five wins from five in the Nations League, with only the England match remaining in the group.

Lineup and Czech approach

De la Fuente switched from the usual 4-2-3-1 to a 4-4-2, with Zubimendi and Fabián controlling the double pivot and Fermín pushing into the area alongside Ferran Torres. Porro and Yeremy Pino covered the right flank, while Cucurella and Baena worked the left. Czech coach Santi Denia has introduced a possession-based approach that rejects the physical, direct football traditional in central Europe, and his side kept the ball for long spells. After the first half hour, a Huijsen header from a corner was the only real scare for Czech goalkeeper Kovar. Spain's attacks often stalled before the final third, where the team lacked sharpness.

Sunday's decider at the Metropolitano

Spain faces England at the Metropolitano on Sunday, 15 November. A point would be enough for Spain to take the top spot in Group C, while England needs a win by the minimum to overtake them. Lamine Yamal could rejoin the squad on Friday, 13 November, ahead of the England match. Finishing first would also give Spain home advantage in the Nations League quarter-finals.