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Spain missed an experienced head - like Llorente or Soldado

Spain continue to struggle with aerial attacks

The Spanish have always been found wanting in the aerial department and things weren't any different this time around. Perhaps their extreme focus on keeping the ball on the ground has inadvertently hampered their ability to compete in the aerial challenges. Height has always been at a premium in Spanish national teams in recent years and unsurprisingly, it was again. Javi Martinez along with the two centre-backs, Alberto Botia and Alvaro Dominguez were the only players in the starting line-up on Sunday who broke the six-foot barrier. Both goals they conceded in the tournament came from aerial balls into the box. The organization to deal with such situations is clearly not worked on enough. It is an area that they need to address in order to regain their 'invincible' tag.
 

IV. Thiago's Absence

Thiago Alcantara was sorely missed in midfield

Thiago Alcantara suffered an injury shortly before the Olympics and was ruled out of the tournament. For a technically gifted team like Spain, the absence of one player may not seem a viable reason for their demise but Thiago has the vision and passing ability that the rest of the squad just don't possess. The senior squad has been found lacking ideas when in the absence of Xavi for whatever reason. Similarily, Thiago was the midfield general for the Olympic side and his unavailability was a crucial set back. Even the likes of Juan Mata, Isco and Iker Munain can't rival the vision and awareness Thiago has. The midfield seemed to be loaded with attacking midfielders but the player who orchestrates everything ahead of him from a deeper role was missing.

V. Complacency

The entire campaign was riddled with complacency

It's a harsh accusation but it must be made. Spain's entire Olympic campaign has had complacency written all over it. From squad selection to tactics, the Spanish have been careless in their approach. Luis Milla opted not to include more experienced players, perhaps implying that they were technically too good for them to even have the need to draw on the wisdom or composure of older players. Tactically, Spain were too stubborn to employ any strategy other than their possession-centered one that insists on passing their way through a team. The inexplicable decision to omit Fernando Llorente was brought to the fold again as Spain toiled to find an equalizer in the dying moments of their defeat to Honduras. The Athletic Bilbao striker could have been a real asset as a target man in the final few minutes. They were notably wasteful with their opportunities, almost as if they expected the next one to be right around the corner. When a team aren't afforded many chances, they tend to make the most of the ones that come their way and Spain, being at the other end of the spectrum, were probably wasteful out of a habitual belief that they would get their next chance soon.

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