In three group matches,Spain utilized three different center-back pairings:Maria Mendez and Laia Aleixandri against Portugal, Irene Paredes and Laia Aleixandri against Belgium and Maria Mendez and Irene Paredes against Italy.
The first match saw a forced change, as Paredes was suspended due to a red card received against the Czech Republic in qualifying, but the subsequent adjustments were rather unexpected, as Montse Tome had yet to identify her preferred partner.
"Each of them possesses their strengths," Mendez remarked in the mixed zone following the match against Italy.
"I feel at ease with all of them. We support one another, regardless of who is playing; we all perform at a very high level. It's a lengthy tournament, and we must all be prepared to step in if necessary."
Spain has four central defenders overall, but only two are dedicated to the position: Mendez and Paredes. Aleixandri can also function in midfield, while Jana Fernandez, trained as a central defender, typically plays as a right-back.
Scoring more to compensate
The rotation among pairs complicates their coordination when addressing set pieces or counter-attacks.
Justine Vanhaevermaet's header from Tessa Wullaert's corner marked Belgium's first goal against Spain in the group stage, while Ona Batlle and Paredes effectively set up Hannah Eurlings' equalizer in that same match.
If the Belgians, who suffered a heavy 5-0 defeat to France in their warm-up, could not maintain their momentum to secure a draw, it was primarily due to the Spanish offense rather than their defense.
"That's an area we've improved since the Nations League. Previously, when opponents scored against us, we struggled to respond. Now we can remain composed in those moments," Mendez states.
"That’s crucial in a league like this—to always be able to bounce back."
This illustrates that if the Spanish defense falters, they can compensate by scoring at least one additional goal. Against Belgium, La Roja netted four more goals. They only managed three against Italy, who had taken the lead after Spain mishandled a set piece.
These three goals conceded due to similar errors against teams deemed inferior to reigning world champions Spain are causing concern among Spanish journalists, who hope to see La Roja advance past the quarter-finals of a European Championship.
"The 'however' regarding Montse Tome's Spanish team lies in their defense," writes El Pais, for instance.
A sensitive topic
Spain's shortcomings also provide reassurance to the Swiss players, who made it to the final phase of their competition at the last moment thanks to a last-minute equalizer against Finland.
If the home team is hoping for an upset victory against Spain, Alayah Pilgrim is fully aware that she will have her say as a forward.
"They have exceptional players, all performing at a high level. However, I believe they also make mistakes, especially defensively. They are stronger in attack than in defense; they are human. I think we will have our opportunities as well," she explained.
Spanish coach Tome is frustrated that a question about this issue is being raised at a press conference just before the quarter-final match.
"I would like to inquire what you mean by defensive weaknesses," she responded to the journalist who posed the question.
"What I know is that we are the professionals in this field, and we understand the team best."
She continued: "It’s clear that this team aims to improve in every aspect, but we have only conceded three goals. We possess very good defenders, outstanding players who have demonstrated their skill, value, and capability for a long time.
"I don’t view that as a weakness. Attack and defense are collective responsibilities. We need the defenders to assist in transitioning the ball during attacks, and the forwards to press when we lose possession, along with the wingers, who must also begin defending. It’s a team effort."
However, her Swiss counterpart has clearly recognized these deficiencies, and Pia Sundhage elaborated at the press conference on how the speed of Iman Beney and Nadine Riesen on the wings, or Sydney Schertenleib in the center, could be advantageous during counter-attacks.
"If the penultimate pass is precise, we can create opportunities," she assured.
Captain Lia Walti is more cautious: "If they consistently have possession, it’s because they defend exceptionally well. They regain the ball very quickly, and that will test us."
So, is Spain's defense genuinely a weakness or merely a distraction? This question will be resolved on Friday evening at 21:00 CET.
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