European champion Spain revealed one of the secrets to its success; by putting on a show of strength in its match against France, secured its spot in the World Cup final. Behind this secret lies a Cypriot technological innovation, which not only made its way abroad, but also used virtual reality to mentally train Spain’s goalkeepers.

“What will appear? Three rows of three circles. Every time a circle starts to fill with a color, you have to put your fist inside it.”
_{Miguel Angel Espana – Goalkeeper Coach for the Spanish National Team}

“During a training camp expected to last as long as a World Cup or a European Championship, we try to offer the greatest possible variety in our goalkeepers’ training. We believe that by using virtual reality headsets, we can work with them in scenarios designed to improve their peripheral vision.”
_{Miguel Angel Espana – Goalkeeper Coach for the Spanish National Team}

The technology was developed by the Cypriot company Mentis VR, which has been in operation since 2019 and whose team includes scientists who collaborate with the University of Cyprus as well as the Cyens research center. The digital glasses and the features they offer are based precisely on research data from cognitive psychology and neuroscience.

“Nothing is ever enough when it comes to our goalkeepers!”
^{Spanish National Team}

The goalkeepers of the Spanish National Team take advantage of every available technological advancement for their training.

According to ALPHA, the Cypriot company signed a contract with the Spanish National Team shortly before the World Cup so that they could use the apps and equipment with them in the U.S.

Through virtual reality, athletes can train in realistic scenarios that require a high level of attention, perception, and memory, all under time pressure. This trains the brain for scenarios that might occur during a match.

For example, it can give Spain’s goalkeeper, Unai Simón, the opportunity to face an attack from French forward Kylian Mbappé.

“We also conduct drills aimed at helping goalkeepers improve their reaction to visual stimuli. In this initial phase, that was our main objective.”
_{Miguel Angel Espana – Goalkeeping Coach for the Spanish National Team}

The video, published by the team, also features David Raya, the Spanish goalkeeper for Arsenal, who is considered one of the best goalkeepers in the world right now, and many have criticized the fact that he is not the team’s starting goalkeeper in this tournament.

Of course, MentsVR keeps him on his toes should the need arise, since this technology allows for data recording, monitoring of goalkeepers’ reflexes and performance, a better understanding of their weaknesses, and consequently, training becomes more targeted and effective.