What observers say
“Spain look unbeatable right now, but Serbia possess the talent to give them problems,” remarked a football analyst ahead of the highly anticipated World Cup qualifier match held at Estadio de la Cerámica in Villarreal, Spain. The match, which took place on March 27, 2026, saw Spain deliver a performance that not only validated this sentiment but also showcased their readiness for the upcoming World Cup.
Spain triumphed with a decisive 3-0 victory over Serbia, with Mikel Oyarzabal emerging as the star of the match. The Real Sociedad forward scored two goals in the first half, demonstrating Spain’s dominance and control throughout the game. His first goal came in the 23rd minute, followed by another in the 37th, both of which were a result of Spain’s fluid attacking play.
In addition to Oyarzabal’s impressive performance, Víctor Muñoz added a third goal for Spain in the second half, further solidifying their lead. The match was a crucial one for Spain, who had previously drawn 2-2 against Turkiye, and they needed a strong showing to maintain their momentum in the World Cup qualifiers.
Rodri made his first start for Spain since 2024, contributing to the midfield’s stability and creativity. His presence was felt as Spain controlled possession and dictated the pace of the game. Observers noted that the first half belonged to Oyarzabal, with his two strikes rewarding the control enjoyed by Spain.
On the other hand, Serbia struggled to find their footing throughout the match. Despite having talented players like Aleksandar Mitrovic, they were edged out for a World Cup playoff place by Albania and rarely posed a meaningful threat to the Spanish defense. The Serbian side finished third in their group with 13 points, ultimately failing to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.
As the match progressed, Dani Olmo appeared poised to extend Spain’s lead to 4-0 in the closing stages, but his powerful shot from close range was brilliantly saved by Serbian goalkeeper Vanja Milinkovic-Savic. This moment highlighted the gulf in class between the two teams, as Spain continued to press for more goals.
Spain’s victory not only secured their position at the top of their qualifying group with 16 points but also reinforced their status as one of the favorites for the upcoming World Cup. With a squad brimming with talent and depth, they are poised to make a significant impact on the world stage.
Looking ahead, Spain will aim to build on this momentum as they prepare for their next fixtures, while Serbia will need to regroup and reassess their strategy following their disappointing qualification campaign. The contrasting fortunes of these two teams serve as a reminder of the competitive nature of international football.
