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Daryl Finch
Wednesday, 28 March 2018, 21:57
Julen Lopetegui may not have learned much from his side's routine 6-1 friendly win against Argentina on Tuesday night, but the one thing he will now be certain of is that Isco has to be a key part of his side for the World Cup.
Zinedine Zidane might not feel the same way when picking his Real Madrid side, but for Spain, everything ticks with the Benalmádena man in the team.
He was majestic at the Wanda Metropolitano, seamlessly linking defence and attack and bagging three impressive goals of his own before receiving a standing ovation.
Argentina, without their talisman Lionel Messi, were made to look distinctly average by the hosts who took an early lead in the 12th minute courtesy of the brute force of Diego Costa. The Atlético forward, making his first start for the national team after a nine-month hiatus, bundled the ball through keeper Sergio Romero who had to be withdrawn because of injury.
Isco doubled the lead just 15 minutes later as he swept home a flowing attacking move past former Malaga keeper Willy Caballero.
The visitors were handed a lifeline going into half time when Nicolás Otamendis header was misjudged by David de Gea and halved the deficit.
However, La Roja blew their opponents away in a second half during which Jorge Sampaolis side didnt stand a chance. Isco and Thiago scored two in quick succession in the 52nd and 55th minute, respectively, before a sublime bit of skill from Gerard Piqué in front of his own goal earned him an uncharacteristically warm reception as he was given a rest.
Another quickfire double from substitute Iago Aspas, who beat Caballero to a long ball, and Isco again finished off the tie for good with 20 minutes still remaining.
This meant there was enough time for both Marcos Alonso and Dani Parejo to get their first full caps and for the fans to enjoy an exhibition in football.
Following the match, Isco expressed his delight at getting his first professional hattrick and admitted that he relishes playing for his country because he has the confidence of the coach.
Perhaps at Real Madrid the problem is that I havent quite earned it yet, he admitted.
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