Sergio Busquets claims young Spain side have 'won people over' after confirming their place at next year's World Cup in Qatar with slender victory against Sweden thanks to Alvaro Morata's goal

  • Alvaro Morata's late strike secured a tense victory for Spain against Sweden 
  • The result saw Luis Enrique's men top Group B in qualifying for Qatar 
  • La Roja were not at their fluid best in Seville against Janne Andersson's side
  • But Sergio Busquets believes a young Spain squad have won some people over 

Sergio Busquets believes Spain have won over some of their doubters after confirming their place at the 2022 World Cup.

Alvaro Morata's 86th-minute goal against Sweden in Seville ensured La Roja secured first place in Group B on a tense occasion at La Cartuja.

Luis Enrique's side were not at their fluid best against Janne Andersson's side, with Emil Forsberg in particular missing some good chances for the visitors.

Sergio Busquets believes Spain have won over some of their doubters in World Cup qualifying

Sergio Busquets believes Spain have won over some of their doubters in World Cup qualifying

Alvaro Morata's goal in Seville ensured La Roja finished top of Group B in qualifying for Qatar

Alvaro Morata's goal in Seville ensured La Roja finished top of Group B in qualifying for Qatar

But Busquets insists the determination of this young Spain squad can never be called into question and claims those who backed them from the start played a significant role in helping them to qualify.


'Everything went great, but nobody said it would be easy against an opponent who closes very well on the inside and seeks transitions with fast attackers', Busquets said via Marca.

'We played the game with dominance, and in the end it went well. I am very happy for the people who have taken us here and I am very happy to be at the World Cup.

'We work hard as a group, and we do it very well, but sometimes have not reached results we deserved.

Spain were not at their fluid best but Busquets praised the determination of the group

Spain were not at their fluid best but Busquets praised the determination of the group

'Those who have believed in us were important and gradually we have won people over.'

Spain boss Enrique, however, claimed he felt more pressure during Spain's World Cup qualification campaign than at Euro 2020 or the latter stages of the Nations League. 

'I have taken off a 100 kilo backpack,' he said via Mundo Deportivo. 'I have felt more pressure in this qualifying phase than in the Euros or the Final Four of the Nations League.

'I have taken a great weight off my shoulders. I am focused on having a good World Cup and I know that if a coach does not win, he receives criticism. 

'This is how this wonderful circus of football can be and I accept it.'

Spain boss Luis Enrique said he felt more pressure in World Cup qualifying than at Euro 2020

Spain boss Luis Enrique said he felt more pressure in World Cup qualifying than at Euro 2020

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