Unorthodox Spain coach Luis Enrique whipped his squad up into a frenzy ahead of their first game against Costa Rica with an inspired mix of mind games, distraction tactics, and bold selection calls.
Now the manager Manchester United wanted to sign last season before they turned to Erik ten Hag is plotting a win over Germany today that would knock them out and send Spain through.
The Spanish have the third youngest squad in Qatar with 20 players at their first World Cup but they have been protected from the spotlight by their whirlwind coach who never lets a day pass without making sure he is the one stealing the headlines.