​Spain’s march to the World Cup quarter-finals has been powered by a remarkable defensive record: a streak of clean sheets that goalkeeper Joan Garcia attributes to the team’s collective willingness to defend. Garcia has risen dramatically from playing in Spain’s second tier just two years ago to becoming Barcelona’s number one, yet he has spent the tournament watching from the bench as coach Luis de la Fuente has persisted with Unai Simon in goal. The Athletic Bilbao stopper has not conceded a goal in his last six appearances across the past two World Cups, snapping Italy great Walter Zenga’s long-held record for the longest unbeaten run in the tournament. Despite that, aside from a handful of sharp saves against Portugal in the last-16 victory, Simon has rarely been tested as Spain’s control of possession and sturdy structure have kept opponents at bay.
Defensively, we are very well-structured; we all know what needs to be done, and that shows in the fact that we concede few chances, Garcia said. I think the key for a goalkeeper is prevention rather than shot-stopping. Preventing the opposition from getting into a position to shoot—whether through a defender’s intervention, a goalkeeper coming out for an aerial ball, or intercepting a low cross—these are things that might not show up in the stats, but they are crucial for a goalkeeper and the team. It demonstrates that our game plan is working. Ultimately, in a World Cup—where the level of teams is high—the fact that opponents aren’t even creating chances speaks volumes about the team.
De la Fuente has repeatedly said that, on the eve of the tournament, whatever goalkeeper he chose would be the right decision given the quality at his disposal. David Raya played a significant role in Arsenal’s Premier League title win and its run to the Champions League final, yet in Spain it was Garcia who the media pitched as the frontrunner to start after an outstanding first season with Barcelona, during which he helped win La Liga. Nevertheless, both were overlooked as Simon retained the starting berth for a fourth straight major tournament.
I think you’re more nervous on the bench than if you were out on the pitch playing, Garcia reflected. We try to help Unai with things that are visible from the outside. Ultimately, I believe he is very clear about what needs to be done. He needs little help, but if we notice something about a forward’s positioning, for example, we try to offer some input there.
A quarter-final clash with Belgium on Friday will require Spain to find a way past one of the world’s best goalkeepers in Thibaut Courtois. The towering Real Madrid shot-stopper has spent much of his career in Spain, having previously played for Atletico Madrid as well. He has been one of the globe’s top custodians for years, and his agility, despite his height, remains a marvel—an attribute that Garcia says is worthy of admiration as well as a challenge for his own team.