Spain keeping opposition far from goal at World Cup, says ‘keeper Garcia

LOS ANGELES: Spain’s run to the World Cup quarter-finals has been built on a tournament record run without conceding a goal, a fact goalkeeper Joan Garcia has told AFP comes down to the whole team’s willingness to defend.

Garcia has enjoyed a meteoric rise from playing in Spain’s second division two years ago to being Barcelona’s number one, but he has had to watch from the sidelines during the tournament as Luis de la Fuente has kept faith with Unai Simon.

The Athletic Bilbao stopper has not conceded in his last six games over the last two World Cups, smashing the record of Italy’s Walter Zenga for the longest unbeaten run at the tournament.

Yet, other than a few smart stops in the 1-0 last 16 win over Portugal, Simon has barely even been tested as Spain’s dominance of possession and solid structure has kept the opposition at bay.

“Defensively, we are very well-structured; we all know what needs to be done and it shows in the fact that we concede few chances,” Garcia said.

“I think the important thing for a goalkeeper is prevention rather than shot-stopping. Preventing the opposition from getting into position to shoot, whether through the intervention of a defender, a goalkeeper coming out for an aerial ball or intercepting a low cross.

“These are things that might not show up in the stats, but they are important for a goalkeeper and the team. It shows our game plan is working.

“Ultimately, in a World Cup – with the quality of the teams involved – the fact that opponents aren’t even creating chances speaks volumes about the team.”

Courtois ‘one of world’s best’

De la Fuente said on the eve of the tournament whoever he put in goal would be the right decision based on the quality at his disposal.

David Raya was a major factor in Arsenal’s Premier League title win and a run to the Champions League final.

But in Spain it was Garcia who the media were championing to start ahead of Simon after an excellent first season at Barcelona, where he won La Liga.

Ultimately, both were overlooked as Simon remained in goal for a fourth consecutive major tournament.

“I think you’re more nervous on the bench than if you were out on the pitch playing,” Garcia said.

“We try to help Unai with things that are visible from the outside. Ultimately, I think he is very clear on what needs to be done.

“He needs little help, but if we notice something about a forward’s positioning, for instance, we try to offer some input there.”

A meeting with Belgium in the last eight on Friday means Spain have to find a way past one the world’s best goalkeepers in Thibaut Courtois.

The giant Real Madrid ‘keeper has spent most of his career in Spain, where he also previously played for Atletico Madrid.

“He has been one of the best in the world for so many years,” said Garcia.

“Above all, his agility despite being so tall, that’s something to admire, as well as the consistency he’s shown over so many years as one of the world’s best.”