Spain wrapped up their qualification campaign for the 2016 Euros with a 1-0 win over Ukraine in Kiev, but captain Cesc F bregas missed a penalty on his 100th national team appearance
Spain’s qualification campaign appears to have gone somewhat under the radar given the incredible stories of Northern Ireland and Wales among others, but Vicente del Bosque’s men have been quietly impressive ever since their 2-1 defeat to Slovakia late last year.
The victory in Kiev — the venue that saw Spain win their second consecutive European Championship — was the eighth consecutive clean sheet win in their qualifying campaign.
F bregas misses penalty after being distracted by a laser
The Chelsea FC midfielder stepped up to take a spot-kick on his 100th appearance for Spain, but failed to double his side’s advantage after seeing his effort saved by Ukraine goalkeeper Andriy Pyatov.
The former Arsenal FC and FC Barcelona midfielder had a laser pointed at his face in the build-up to the spot kick, but was reportedly reluctant to use that as an excuse for his miss. Unsurprisingly, Twitter had a few things to say about the incident.
Fabregas missed a penalty on his 100th appearance for the national side. This pic may explain why… pic.twitter.com/BGHPdVGIUy
a ChelseaFansChannel (@ChelseaFansYT) October 13, 2015
In keeping with his form for Chelsea this season, Cesc Fabregas has missed a penalty for Spain. a Paddy Power (@paddypower) October 12, 2015
F bregas has missed all four penalties he’s taken for Spain outside shoot-outs… #EURO2016 pic.twitter.com/lQnPgSPZVX
a UEFA EURO 2016 (@UEFAEURO) October 12, 2015
Definitely would have bet on Fabregas missing that penalty. Even his hair is in disarray a Ramon Isaac (@mowingmeadows) October 12, 2015
Fabregas scored most famous shoot-out penalty in Spain history [prob] but has missed 4 from 4 during games [!] [via @pedritonumeros ]
a Dermot Corrigan (@dermotmcorrigan) October 12, 2015
De Gea pulls off incredible save from Rotan volley
The Manchester United star was given the nod ahead of Iker Casillas on Monday night, and did no harm whatsoever to his chances of taking over the position on a permanent basis with a solid display. De Gea also pulled off an incredible improvised save with his feet from a Rotan volley that appeared to be destined to find the back of the net.
What a save by De Gea!! https://t.co/Kvh5dKcllf a Go home, False God! (@ArjunitedRed) October 13, 2015
Oh, and David De Gea is having one of those games. Playing out of his skin.
a Graham Ruthven (@grahamruthven) October 12, 2015
The fax machine that denied De Gea his Madrid move should be displayed in a museum. a Musa Okwonga (@Okwonga) October 12, 2015
.
De Gea; Juanfr/Carvj/Azpi, Ramos, Pique, Alba; Thiago, Busquets, Cazorla; Mata, Alcacer/Isco(false 9?) Silva. Team next summer? Tasty.
a Sid Lowe (@sidlowe) October 12, 2015