GARY NEVILLE had the last laugh as Spain crashed out of the World Cup.
The 2010 champions were unable to break down Morocco in 120 minutes of football.
They had an utter nightmare in the shootout as they missed all three of their efforts to be sent packing by the Atlas Lions.
And the performance ensured Neville was belatedly vindicated for his pre-tournament predictions.
The Manchester United legend boldly declared Spain’s team “have no goals in them” before their Qatar 2022 opener against Costa Rica.
He was left a little red-faced, though, as Luis Enrique’s men smashed seven goals past their helpless opponents.
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Afterwards, Neville doubled down on his claim and said: “We can’t just measure Spain at all off that.
“I think we will be proved right!”
And the stats in the goalless draw with Morocco before the shootout exit backed Neville up.
Spain, who scored once against Germany and then one past Japan, managed 13 shots against Morocco and racked up a simply staggering 1,019 passes – Rodri got 206 on his own.
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But even with eight corners and 77 per cent of the ball, Spain mustered a meagre one shot on target and failed to threaten Yassine Bounou’s goal.
Late sub Pablo Sarabia had a glorious chance to win the last-16 clash in injury time of extra-time.
But his side-foot volley shaved the far post – his next touch also hit the upright as he missed his penalty.
Carlos Soler and Sergio Busquets both saw their efforts saved by Bounou before Madrid-born Achraf Hakimi kept his cool to dink a delicious Panenka down the middle and send Morocco through.
And fans on Twitter were quick to laud Neville for his expert analysis.
One said: “Remember when Gary Neville said that Spain lacked firepower and everyone laughed at him.”
Another wrote: “So turns out Gary Neville was spot on about Spain and a lack of goals… even from 12 yards!”
And a third added: “It’s actually scary how accurate Gary Neville was in saying Spain has no goals.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
