The Hindu’s sports column argues that Spain goalkeeper Unai Simon was not only a shot-stopper but also a tactical advantage in Spain’s World Cup run. Spain conceded only one goal in seven matches, and Simon’s long sequence without conceding forced opponents to attack more aggressively and take greater risks.
Simon’s reliability changed the attacking choices of Spain’s rivals. When a goalkeeper is difficult to beat, opponents must press harder, shoot earlier, and accept greater exposure at the back.
