Ferran Torres sealed off a stealthy team goal for Spain against Italy at the Nations League semi-final on Wednesday. The goal, which was scored right before the halftime whistle, travelled through three players before landing inside the goal.
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The initial push from the midfield was given by Marcos Alonso’s loft pass to forward left-winger Mikel Oyarzabal, who then crossed the ball towards Ferran Torres. The Manchester City player then put the ball inside the goal with a smooth header, giving Spain a 2-0 cushion in the semi-final game.
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Wednesday’s clash between Spain and Italy, who share one of the fiercest rivalries in European football, ended up being a historic one.
Spain managed to break Italy’s record-setting streak in the National League, where they did not experience a single defeat for 37 matches. However, Luis Enrique’s Spain put a stop to that string of victories.
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Moreover, Pablo Martín Páez Gavira, better known as ‘Gavi’, became the youngest ever player to represent the full Spanish national side after making the starting XI for the UEFA Nations League semi-final against Italy in Milan. Gavi made his debut at the age of 17 years 62 days.
La Roja took away Wednesday’s game against Italy with a score of 2-1, where the two goals were scored were Torres. On the other hand, Lorenzo Pellegrini gave the Italian side some last-minute hope by scoring in the 83rd minute. Leonardo Bonucci was given a red card minutes before the first half ended.
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Spain coach Luis Enrique recently said he would stick with an attacking philosophy against Italy but that could prove tricky against a side that has one of the best defenses in international soccer.
The winner will face world champion France or Belgium in the Nations League final, which is also in Milan on October 10. France plays Belgium in Turin on Thursday.