Spain’s run to the World Cup semi-final has been built on a defensive record that stands among the best the tournament has ever seen.
After six games, Spain have faced just seven shots on target all tournament, working out to 1.17 per match, the fewest of any side at a men’s World Cup since records began in 1966, according to Opta.
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The underlying numbers are just as striking. Spain have conceded only 0.31 expected goals per match, a mark matched only by Uruguay’s 1990 campaign in the same 60 year period, while the average quality of each shot they have faced sits at just 0.05 xG, the lowest of any team at this tournament and a joint record low since 1966.
Individual performances have underpinned the collective effort. Aymeric Laporte has been Spain’s defensive anchor, his 11 interceptions bettered only by France’s Dayot Upamecano.
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Unai Simon has excelled sweeping up danger behind a high defensive line, ranking among the most active sweeper keepers in the competition, while captain Rodri, playing some of his best football since returning from an ACL injury, has made 18 tackles and won the ball back 32 times, both figures among the tournament’s best.
Luis de la Fuente has kept faith in the same back line throughout, Simon, Laporte, Pau Cubarsi and Marc Cucurella have started every match, a settled unit that now faces its sternest test yet against France’s attack in Tuesday’s semi-final.
Photo: Jean Catuffe/Getty Images
