SPAIN WILL GO OUT TO WIN - DEL BOSQUE

Vicente del Bosque insists Spain won't settle for a draw against Croatia on Monday.

Last Updated: 18/06/12 at 18:23 Post Comment   

Del Bosque: Focused on victory

Del Bosque: Focused on victory

Spain manager Vicente del Bosque has insisted they will not settle for a draw against Croatia in their final Group C game at Euro 2012 on Monday.

A point would be enough for the world champions to guarantee their place in the last eight and a 2-2 draw would also ensure that both sides progress at the expense of Italy, but Del Bosque is only interested in another three points.

Indeed, the former Real Madrid manager claimed his side can learn from the support the Irish fans gave their side, despite being thumped 4-0 by Spain on Thursday night.

He told Marca: "We have an example of how to behave from the supporters and players of the Irish team who have given prestige to football.

"We are sportsmen and the Croatians are as well, therefore we will go out to win.

"There is no possibility of planning a draw that favours us, I haven't even done the calculations. The only thing that interests us is winning."

Del Bosque was delighted with his side's performance against Ireland and his decision to recall Fernando Torres to the starting line-up ahead of Cesc Fabregas was vindicated as the Chelsea striker scored twice.

Fabregas, though, came off the bench to score Spain's final goal of the evening to take his tally for the competition to two in two games and Del Bosque claimed the Barcelona midfielder was still very much in his plans.

He said: "I was happy because our objective was to win and we have done that.

"Moreover, we have managed to pass the margin by which Croatia beat Ireland and we did so by playing well. It is also important for the morale that this victory gives the group.

"The other day we had confidence in Cesc and he rewarded us with a goal, but Fernando could also have played for precisely the reason of what he did against Ireland.

"We are delighted to be able to have such great resources.

"We intend to take advantage of all the possibilities. We have 23 players and all of them could play. We have to choose and leave out people for every game and this will create debate if you don't win.

"I have the same confidence in Cesc that I had four days ago, but we have other options.

"Against Ireland we looked to dominate and have the initiative and for that reason we went for the speed and movement of Torres."Spain defender Raul Albiol has hit back at speculation there will be any agreement between the defending champions and Croatia to play out a 2-2 draw on Monday.

"Spain will go to win as always, as will Croatia, and Italy also have to win their game," he told Marca.

"Everyone will go out to achieve a victory so that we are not depending on others. Therefore there is no kind of pact, to say so is nonsense.

"There has been a lot of talk about a 2-2 result but I think Spain always try to win every match, so the Italians should be calm because we are going to go for the three points to take us on to seven and qualify first in the group."

The Real Madrid defender also looked ahead to who Spain might meet should they progress to the quarter-finals, and admitted both France and England could cause them problems.

"France have played very well in the two games against England and Ukraine," said Albiol.

"They are one of the favourites for the title because of the great players they have, but I think they have their own style that doesn't appear similar to ours.

"As regards England, we all know the English national team. We played them not that long ago in a friendly and we have also watched their games in this championship.

"It is clear that we could play them in the quarters but we have to think first of all about Croatia.

"If we meet the English we know they will be a difficult opponent. They haven't shone so far but they have been very competitive and in one game they can always pose difficulties."

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