Difficult draw awaits reigning champions Spain
Paris, June 7: Spain are bidding to win a third consecutive European Championship but a difficult draw awaits a team whose coach Vicente del Bosque admits are in transition.
The 2008 and 2012 champions are looking to avoid a repeat of their disastrous showing at the World Cup in Brazil two years ago and they come up against Croatia, Turkey and the Czech Republic in Group D.
“We go there with the maximum objective. And that is to defend the title we won four years ago,” del Bosque said before La Roja departed for their base camp in Ile de Re off France’s Atlantic coast.
“It is the same situation as in 2012, but with a bit more responsibility because we are defending two consecutive titles.
“But we must differentiate between what is an objective and what is an obligation. Winning the title cannot be an obligation.”
We go there with the maximum objective. And that is to defend the title we won four years ago. VICENTE DEL BOSQUE
SPAIN COACH
Del Bosque, 65, says that because his squad has changed significantly since 2012.
Perhaps six of those who played in the 4- 0 final win against Italy in Kiev will start against the Czech Republic in Toulouse next Monday. But this could be the time for the likes of Koke, Alvaro Morata and Lucas Vazquez to shine.
“We need to make the most of the players we have,” Del Bosque said, signalling a possible move away from the ‘ tikitaka’ style of past tournaments.
“Lucas Vazquez has pace and can trouble defences, while you can’t argue with Aritz Aduriz’s statistics. If in three touches we manage to get to the opposition goal then that is also great.”
Finishing top of the group has to be the aim, with Belgium or Italy potential last- 16 opponents for the Group D runners- up. If any team goes through in third France could lie in wait.
Spain will hope to have their last- 16 berth sewn up before they face a dangerous Croatia side in Bordeaux in their last group match.