Croatia pose major test for Luis Enrique's Spain

11/15/2018 - 3:34:33 PM

The Spanish national team faces an important UEFA Nations League tie away to Croatia on Thursday as they look to assure that they finish top of their qualifying group.

Spain embarrassed World Cup finalists Croatia with a stunning six-goal masterclass of spectacular finishing last September.

Things looked to be progressing well for Spain coach Luis Enrique after wins in his first three games, but a shock 3-2 defeat to England in their last Nations League match has left them with work to do in Croatia.

The Spanish need a win to assure they finish top of the group and the Croatians are likely to prove tougher opposition than the team they beat 6-0 in September.

Two months ago, the beaten World Cup finalists looked to be still suffering a hangover from their summer achievements, but they should have recovered since then.

The defeat to England was a dose of reality for the Spanish and perhaps one of the reasons why coach Enrique decided to recall left back Jordi Alba after leaving the Barcelona defender out of his first two squads.

Alba's absence was arguably the talking point of those squads but both he and Enrique have been keen to play down any talk of a bad relationship. Given the importance of Thursday's game, Alba is likely to go into the starting XI.

Nacho Fernandez and Dani Carvajal are out through injury, so Cesar Azpilicueta and Inigo Martinez look likely to join Sergio Ramos in defence.

Meanwhile Saul, Sergio Busquets and Isco look certainties in midfield, while Enrique will have to decide whether to keep faith with Valencia's out of touch Rodrigo in attack, or to opt to give chances to Iago Aspas and Alvaro Morata, who has recently started scoring again for Chelsea.

Source: NDO

Luong Son district develops Karate practice movement

With continuous improvements in both quantity and quality, Luong Son Karate Club is a bright spot in building and spreading the Karate training movement among young people and students in Luong Son district of Hoa Binh province.

The imprint of the 32nd Traditional Marathon Tournament of Hoa Binh Newspaper Cup

The 32nd Traditional Marathon Tournament of Hoa Binh Newspaper Cup in 2024 has ended, but there are still good memories and impressions. Through 32 successfully organized seasons, the tradition, brand, quality, and appeal of the tournament have been affirmed.

70 anglers compete in sport fishing tournament in Hoa Binh

Seventy anglers from Hoa Binh and other cities and provinces across the nation participated in a sport fishing tournament in Hoa Binh city on November 20. The event was held by the provincial People’s Committee in collaboration with the Vietnam Sport Fishing Association.

Da Bac district promotes running movement

Mountain running is a sport that offers numerous health benefits and is increasingly attracting participants, especially among the youth. In recent years, the running community in Da Bac district has been growing significantly.

Being impressed with the 32nd Traditional Marathon Tournament of Hoa Binh Newspaper Cup in 2024

The 32nd Traditional Marathon Tournament of Hoa Binh Newspaper Cup in 2024 was a great success. For the athletes, the persistent, "speedy” running amid in cheering and the final smile of victory... are unforgettable memories.

Lac Son district has been spreading the marathon movement

As a rule, every year, Lac Son district organizes a traditional marathon tournament that gathers a large number of athletes. The XXXII District’s Traditional Marathon Tournament in 2024 has just kicked off, attracting nearly 130 athletes from the communes, the town, the other agencies, units and schools, showing the development and spread of the movement.