Spain are out of Euro 2020, and Luis Enrique’s decision to overlook Wolves star Adama Traore last night may well have been costly.
The world’s sixth-ranked nation fell to defeat against Italy on penalties, after the game had finished 1-1 after extra-time.
It was another thrilling game of high quality football.
The Italians took the lead through an excellent finish from Federico Chiesa.
Alvaro Morata would then level the scores, and Spain were the ones pushing hardest for a winner.
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Italy’s defence stood firm though, and they were always likely to triumph in a shootout given Spain’s recent record with penalties.
Enrique’s decision not to put Adama Traore on was baffling.
He was actually due to come on in normal time, but was sent back to the bench when Morata equalised.
But there was to be no sign of the 25-year-old in extra-time.
Surely, getting Traore on against tiring legs would have been a logical decision.
The Wolves star is a nightmare for defenders to face even early into games.
So potentially, he would have caused havoc for the Italians.
Giorgio Chiellini and Leonardo Bonucci, as good as they are, are not blessed with pace.
Neither is Rafael Toloi, and there was no Leonardo Spinazzola due to the injury he suffered against Belgium.
It is a shame, as Traore is one of the most unique player in football.
Stylistically he is not a typical Spanish player, and maybe that is why Enrique was reluctant to use him.
But it is for that reason he should have played – at least in extra-time.
He could have brought an entirely new headache for the weary Italians and who knows, perhaps it would be Spain lining up in Sunday’s final against either England or Denmark.