La Liga

Del Bosque Hails Spain's Defensive Display

Spain’s Vicente del Bosque praised the control shown by his side after two goals from Xabi Alonso secured a win over France and a place in the Euro 2012 semi-finals.

Despite not hitting their top form, Del Bosque was delighted with how his side restricted the French to just one shot on target

“The truth is we did well and controlled the game,” said Del Bosque. “Iker (Casillas) hardly had anything to do and that speaks of the good defensive performance of the team.

“If our defenders are good then we will be closer to winning the tournament because we will always create a chance.”

The former Real Madrid boss was particularly pleased with Alonso’s determination to make the run into the box that resulted in the first goal, and reiterated his belief that both he and Sergio Busquets offer important options going forward.

“Alonso is one of the players that has scored most in my time as manager,” said the coach.

“I already know that he and Busquets are a controversial pairing but I always defend that these are more attacking footballers than defensive ones.

“They have an extraordinary awareness of the team.”

Del Bosque voiced concerns about having less time off than Portugal ahead of Wednesday’s semi-final, though, and hinted he could be forced to freshen his side up if the heat in Donetsk is as severe as it was this evening.

“We have two less days to rest than them and I am thinking about this,” he said.

“It is a small handicap. We have arrived very drained because the heat we suffered tonight [Saturday night] was cruel on the players.”

0 thoughts on “Del Bosque Hails Spain's Defensive Display

  1. flippo

    Inter dont need a forward they need cdm an a winger that can score more .or put botta on the wing an let him play more ,inter got a good team is just not gel yet just give Walter time.Torres is trash now that got to be a joke lol

  2. Joe

    Forlan was 33 & everybody at Inter failed that year not just him. He went on to continue to play well at Internacional. Torres has just turned 30 & in an improving Inter unlike that of 2012 I think he can provide good back up to Icardi at minimal cost, after all he is a champion regardless of his troubles at Chelsea. Eto’o to for that matter, we need champions to qualify for the CL & Thohir cannot buy champions for all the positions that need upgrades. This was Icardi is not replaced by someone like Moratta or Dzeko so stays as our No.1 CF, we get good back up & still get to invest heavily on the midfield.