Spain were embarrassed at the World Cup and were very poor in their friendly against France last week, but they're probably not too worried about Monday's Euro 2016 qualifier against Macedonia. And seeing as the match is being held at the 26,354 seat City of Valencia Stadium, the home of Levante, the people of Spain probably aren't either.
Spain vs. Macedonia, Euro 2016 qualifying: Time, TV schedule and how to watch online
Quinn Rooney
A number of veterans are in this team and will continue to play for La Roja going forward, but there’s a bit of a changing of the guard taking place. Give of the defenders have fewer than 10 caps, 19-year-old Munir El Haddadi has been called up for the first time and 22-year-old Atletico Madrid midfielder Koke is probably going to be first choice for the foreseeable future.
Early editions of a new Spain team haven’t looked encouraging, but at home against Macedonia, they can afford to experiment further. Even though this is a competitive match, it’s difficult to see Spain losing, even with a weird team and a poor performance.
Key player - Cesc Fabregas (Spain)
In a post-Xavi and Xabi Alonso world, a lot of Spain's success is going to depend on Cesc Fabregas. Especially in this case, with Andres Iniesta sitting out. He'll be the focal point of the attack and it'll be up to him to create goals for Spain. It's a much better role for him than the false nine role he's played in the past, or the double pivot role he plays at Chelsea.
Key matchup - Macedonia vs. goal differential
Macedonia aren’t going to win this game and they’re not going to qualify for Euro 2016. What they can do, however, is keep the goal differential reasonable and do well enough in this group to perhaps move up a tier in the coefficients. They can get into an easier World Cup qualifying group, then do the same there, and maybe someday get a good enough draw that it’s possible for them to make a major finals.
Match Date/Time: Monday, 8:45 p.m. local, 2:45 p.m. ET
Venue: Estadi Ciutat de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
TV: ESPN Deportes (U.S.), Sky Sports 5 (U.K.), Sportsnet One (Canada), Movistar/TVE La 1 (Spain)
Online: Watch ESPN (U.S.), Sky Go (U.K.)
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