In the unacceptable Kokhi Olimp pavilion in Dushanbe, the real news wasn’t Spain’s dominant 9-2 victory over Tajikistan but the absence of Sergio Lozano. Despite being confirmed by national coach Fede Vidal on the final list of 14 players submitted to FIFA on Wednesday, the Barça captain did not step onto the court today. Missing his fifth of six matches played so far by the national team, where he had previously left the best impression. With just ten days before the national team’s World Cup debut in Uzbekistan, concerns are growing over the secrecy surrounding Lozano’s physical condition. The RFEF maintains he didn’t play due to “an infection in a wound on his right knee,” though other sources suggest lingering discomfort in that knee. Which has been operated on four times in the past eight years, along with recurring hamstring issues that kept him from finishing the season.
On September 15, Spain will face Kazakhstan in Andijan (17:30), and Lozano is expected to arrive with minimal match rhythm and custom-tailored physical preparation. Whether the ‘Buffalo’ will play in Saturday’s game against the Netherlands (17:00) – Spain’s last test before heading to Uzbekistan – remains uncertain. Despite this, Lozano was on the bench, smiling and cheering on his teammates, who are eager to see him return to action. Meanwhile, Spain continues to fine-tune their game, delivering a solid performance against Tajikistan, with Adolfo and Raúl Gómez both scoring twice. Javi Mínguez and Jesús Gordillo, the two players expected to be cut from the squad, also had plenty of time on the court, with Mínguez scoring his second goal in a national team jersey after capitalizing on a rebound.
changes can still be made
Although changes can still be made up to 24 hours before their World Cup debut, Tomaz Braga has established himself as a starting midfielder. Mellado orchestrates from the middle, Adolfo not only covers distance but finishes well, and captain Raúl Campos has overcome his knee discomfort. Contributing his skill and experience. The team gains energy when Catela and Cortés are on the pitch together. While César Velasco impressed with a powerful left-footed strike into the top corner today.
In goal, Fede Vidal continues to rotate Jesus Herrero, Didac Plana, and Chemi, with Herrero starting this match but the Barça goalkeeper likely to be the preferred choice going forward. Boyis consistently provides solid support for the team’s more creative players. Antonio Perez is adjusting to his new role, converting a ten-meter shot with precision this afternoon. The only downside to Spain’s performance against the gritty Tajikistan side was a 21-second lapse in focus, which led to two conceded goals – an error they’ll need to avoid at all costs in the World Cup.
