What observers say
“Spain look unbeatable right now, but Serbia possess the talent to give them problems,” a commentator noted before the match, setting the stage for what many anticipated would be a competitive encounter. However, as the final whistle blew, it was clear that Spain had firmly established their dominance with a decisive 3-0 victory over Serbia at the Estadio de la Cerámica in Villarreal.
The match, which kicked off at 4 p.m. ET, saw Mikel Oyarzabal shine brightly, scoring two goals in the first half. His performance was a testament to Spain’s control throughout the match, as they displayed fluid attacking play and solid defensive organization. The first-half belonged to Oyarzabal, with the Real Sociedad forward’s two strikes rewarding the control enjoyed by Spain.
In addition to Oyarzabal’s contributions, Víctor Muñoz added a third goal for Spain, further solidifying their position as one of the favorites for the upcoming 2026 World Cup. With this victory, Spain finished first in their qualifying group with 16 points, a clear indication of their form and readiness for the global stage.
On the other hand, Serbia’s performance was underwhelming. Despite having a squad filled with talent, including players like Aleksandar Mitrovic, they struggled to create meaningful chances against a well-organized Spanish defense. The match served as a stark reminder of their shortcomings, as they finished third in their group with only 13 points, missing out on a World Cup playoff spot, edged by Albania.
As the match progressed, Spain continued to press forward, with Dani Olmo looking certain to make it 4-0 in the closing stages. However, his powerful shot from close range was palmed to safety in a brilliant save from Vanja Milinkovic-Savic, showcasing the Serbian goalkeeper’s skills even in a losing effort.
This match not only highlighted Spain’s current form but also raised questions about Serbia’s future in international competitions. With their failure to qualify for the World Cup, the Serbian team will need to reassess their strategies and player selections moving forward.
Spain’s victory over Serbia is a clear signal of their ambitions as they prepare for the World Cup. As they continue to build momentum, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how they maintain this form in the lead-up to the tournament.
