Vicente del Bosque has defended Spain’s style of play ahead of its European Championship semi-final with Portugal, defying critics who say its possession-based football is boring.
Spain will be just one victory away from becoming the first team since the West Germany team of the 1970s to reach three successive championship finals.
However, it has come under fire for not dazzling as it did when winning the trophy four years ago.
Del Bosque, who took over as coach after that victory and guided a more subdued Spain to its first World Cup triumph two years ago, described Wednesday’s contest with Portugal as “the most important match of our lives”.
“Let’s hope that we can continue this way going forward so that Spain stays among the elite in world football,” Del Bosque said. “We’re talking about a great era when we have used the same style for years … and which has yielded all of our achievements.”
Spain has won its last six knockout round games at major tournaments by a combined score of 7-0. Although the team is not providing eye-catching scorelines, it has shown patience and maturity to break down opponents who nearly always “park the bus”, or take a completely defensive approach.
“I would prefer if they play back in their own half, it’s a satisfaction for us to keep posession,” Del Bosque said of the Portuguese.
“They have enough players that can provide alternatives to their attack, but I would like it if they played in a defensive way because we have solutions to combat that.”
k77sujith
Guest
Let's also not forget that In the champions league competition, Chelsea adopted negative tactics against Barcelona over two legs. Now if that was accepted, what's wrong with Spain who always approach the game with a positive strategy? Thanks.
k77sujith
Guest
I fully endorse Mr Bosque's opinion. Opposing teams have no choice but 'park the bus' and when they do so, chances to score are reduced further. Having said that, keeping possession for extensive periods is in itself a skill which most teams can't do. Yes, Spain's game might be mind-numbing at times but then again, that's also a quality you associate with Indian legend, Rahul Dravid's batsmanship and you only need to look at his stats and status in the game of cricket and how valuable a player he was. Irrespective of the outcome in the Euro finals, Spain has made it to the list of 'Greatest Teams'. Thanks.
Bondy
Guest
It seems monotenous to some because the nucleus of the squad are predominantly Catilin they've one everything in the past 5 years and apart from the Gremans dont really look to be threatened the two form nations out of the world cup have just continued on their way,its just simple jealousy from journalists who are bored of predominantly Madridians and Catilins simply winning everything Journalists are like children they need a new toy every couple of months to keep them entertained. One thing I did notice last night in programming this mornings action I didnt notice SBS1 in the programme giude on my tele I had Setanta in the programme giude but couldnt find the sbs times and didnt realise they were broadcasting until half time this morning has anyone else noticed that..
Zee
Roar Guru
The criticism is quite pathetic, yes Spain haven't been dazzling, but their in the Semi Final, have conceded 1 goal and are a constant threat. The 4-6-0 works in a favor, because Of El Guaje absence, our Midfield is the center piece of our play.
tonysalerno
Roar Guru
Hindsight is a beautiful thing. I wrote an article the night before match day three and predicted Spain would go back-to back. http://www.theroar.com.au/2012/06/11/spain-looks-first-backtoback-european-champion/ The world champs are travelling nicely and it would be tough to bet against them in the semi-final. I'm no psychic but the Spainish coach has nothing to worry about; they will be there in the final
Brian
Guest
The criticism is from the lack of excitement in their games - last 8 knockout games they have not conceded a goal. The reason is if you don't have the ball you usually don't score. They are masters at controlling a game and I can't wait to see what Germany after 2 years of planning havecome up with.
pete4
Guest
Don't understand it either... after all Spain are the current World champions and defending European champions? and are in the semi-finals again