Spain manager Vicente Del Bosque has justified his decision to once again start makeshift striker Cesc Fabregas ahead of Fernando Torres in attack in Saturday’s 2-0 quarterfinal win over France which has attracted some criticism for boring football.
The reigning European and world champions dominated the game with Xabi Alonso’s double deciding the contest as France failed to offer much attacking wise, while Spain played the ball around in a controlled fashion.
“Playing with a true forward gives you more depth but we wanted to have more continuity, to dominate and to have possession of the ball in order to create chances,” Del Bosque told reporters after the game.
“I don’t think this is an unfair outcome because we were in control most of the time.”
“We are talking about playing with three forwards – Iniesta, Fàbregas and [David] Silva – but we needed the help of the whole team. When we talk about Xabi Alonso and Sergio Busquets, they are not that defensive – they know how to attack and they are exceptional players.
“We were really strong on the left with Jordi and Iniesta – that’s where the first goal came from. Jordi Alba really played well and Iniesta always makes life very uncomfortable for the opposition defence. He really played well.”
Spain next face Iberian neighbours Portugal and Del Bosque said they’d need to rest up ahead of that clash. The two sides met in the Round of 16 in the 2010 World Cup with Spain winning 1-0, while they also met in a friendly in November that year with the Portuguese victorious 4-0.
“We were tired at the end (against france) but that’s normal. We’ll have to get as much rest as we can,” Del Bosque said.