Spain progress in World Cup thanks to VAR

Manolo Montalt, a maestro of his progession, defined it graphically: "With the ball, Spain are like Pavarotti, but without they're ball, they're Cañita Brava. Fernando Carreño, another great journalist, was surgical: "The 2010 Spain side played on memory. The 2018 side play on memories." 

Spain are in the round-of-16 after a surreal group stage, unimaginable and dominated by VAR. Close to being a victim of themselves, of being devoured by their inner demons, Spain were exposed to unnecessary torment. The agony did have a prize: they're in the next round. With more points than performances, though, to be honest.  

But they're alive. Spain, capable of the best and the worst football, aren't giving off serenity. The squad is packed with talent, but they unnecessarily play with fire and one day they're going to set fire to themselves. In attack, they're a collection of artists. In defence, holes than prestige. 

There were signs against Porgual and concerns against Iran and Morocco and Spain almost covered themselves in asphalt. In their credit, the soloists. On debit, their nightmare balance in defence. Before the World Cup, the media said, among disproportionate euphoria and joy, that Spain were capable of beating anyone without getting off the bus. The reality: without getting off the bus, you can lose to anyone. 

La Roja need to be self-critical and changes to return to the path it should never have left. Those not in form, shouldn't play. Those that don't create, don't play. And those that are blocked by fear, take a step to the side. Spain suffered against Morocco. You had to see it to believe it, but with a bit of luck they got through. One is paid to tell what happens, not to be passionate and what happened is what has been told. 

Next station, Russia, in the easy side of the draw. If there's anything easy. I hope Spain get aboard the plane and free themselves. They're in the last 16 thanks to a sublime flick from Iago Aspas (who deserved to play more) and the consultation of VAR.

Yep, paradoxes of life. Spain are through thanks to an invention, according to many, would ruin football and wouldn't make things a little fairer. Spain are in the last 16. But if they don't improve, they won't be on a journey anywhere else.