Alvaro Morata’s goal was in vain as Spain were held to a frustrating 1-1 draw by Euro 2004 champions Greece in the 2022 FIFA World Cup European Qualifiers in Granada.
Spain suffered a frustrating start to their 2022 World Cup qualifying campaign as they were held to a draw by Greece at home at the Nuevo Estadio de Los Cármenes.
Alvaro Morata gave the home side the lead from close range, shortly after RB Leipzig’s Dani Olmo hit the crossbar with a powerful drive in the 33rd minute to go into the interval with a 1-0 lead.
Inigo Martinez, however, conceded an unnecessary penalty for a rash tackle on Olympiacos midfielder Giorgos Masouras.
Anastasios Bakasetas stepped up to take it and he made no mistake as he converted from the spot to score past Athletic Bilbao goalkeeper Unai Simon to make it 1-1 in the 56th minute.
Morata, currently on loan at Juventus from Atletico Madrid, had an opportunity to win it for his country but headed straight at the goalkeeper as Spain dominated possession but failed to create any clear-cut opportunities.
Greece were solid at the back and never looked in trouble of conceding again. They lacked quality to pounce on the counter, however, but they will consider this a point earned whereas the hosts will think of this as 2 points dropped.
Luis Enrique’s Spanish side will travel to Georgia in their second qualifying fixture on Sunday and any result barring a win will be considered as a failure. Greece will be heading home to host Honduras in a friendly next.
Spain are in Group B, which features 5 teams with Sweden and Kosovo rounding up the list. Sweden started with a win as Zlatan Ibrahimovic returned to the national squad and will be a true test for the 2010 World Cup winners.
