Kroos was right: We'll break football with matches like this

T he Netherlands and Spain played out a 1-1 draw in a friendly match at the Johan Cruyff Arena on Wednesday night. After Nathan Ake and Jose Gaya suffered injuries in the first half, the decision to stage the game appeared somewhat questionable.

In an already packed schedule in this squashed season, players are starting to complain about the workload they are being put through. Many nations are playing three matches for the second international break in a row.

"We're going to break football," Toni Kroos said the other day - and maybe he's right.

Alvaro Morata certainly is a different player since leaving Atletico Madrid. The striker didn't have many chances to score but did demonstrate his value to Luis Enrique, setting up Sergio Canales' goal. Speaking of strikers, Gerard Moreno also impressed.

Spain's Gaya was forced to leave the action during the first half after bumping heads with Hans Hateboer. The most serious injury looked to be the one Ake suffered, though, pulling up with no one around him at the time. Pep Guardiola isn't going to be happy.

Canales notched his first goal for his country with a clinical finish past Marco Bizot in the Dutch goal. The Real Betis midfielder keeps setting the example for players recovering from serious injuries, including Marco Asensio.

Unai Simon made his first appearance in between the sticks for Spain in Amsterdam and definitely made a good impression. The Athletic Club goalkeeper made a number of good saves to keep the Dutch at bay, particularly from Memphis Depay in the second half.

Sergio Ramos became the joint highest appearance maker in international football in Europe, earning his 176th cap for Spain as a substitute in the second half. He will overtake Gianluigi Buffon at the top of the standings with one more match.

When you watch Spain take on the Netherlands, it's impossible not to think about the 2010 World Cup final. It's been over 10 years since that day in Johannesburg.

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