Strengthen the back
Hierro says Spain must tighten up after Morocco draw
KALININGRAD: Spain coach Fernando Hierro said his side must defend better after a last-ditch Video Assisted Referee (VAR)helped equaliser earned them a 2-2 draw with Morocco and set up a second round clash with hosts Russia.
The injury-time goal from substitute Iago Aspas capped a dramatic finale to a Group B that Spain ended up topping after Iran levelled late against Portugal to draw 1-1 in Saransk.
But Hierro, himself a former centreback, said the team needed to work on their defence following a group stage that saw the 2010 winners ship five goals in three games.
“Obviously we can improve. Five goals in three matches is not the way forward.
“The players are professional, they under- stand what the situation is,” he told reporters.
Morocco took the lead in the 14th minute when Khalid Boutaib took advantage of a horrible mix-up between Sergio Ramos and Andres Iniesta to race through and slide the ball calmly through David De Gea’s legs.
Things nearly got even worse for La Roja, when Boutaib missed a golden chance to put Morocco ahead for a second time after Isco had pulled Spain level.
The striker’s low one-on-one shot was saved by De Gea after both Ramos and Gerard Pique were caught napping with a quick throw in.
Hierro refused to single players out for criticism but promised his side would work collectively to shore things up at the back. “You cannot hold individuals responsible for letting goals in.
“Everyone needs to defend as a team and that’s our style,” he said.
Isco’s goal was straight out of Spain’s World Cup winning playbook of 2010, with Diego Costa setting Iniesta free in the penalty area after some crisp one-touch passing.
The Barcelona man cut back with the outside of his right boot to Isco, who fired into the roof of Monir El-Kajoui’s net from six yards.
“We’re happy we’ve finished top of the group, that’s what we wanted.
“Maybe we wanted to feel differently after the match but we’re happy to go on. Now we are facing the moment of truth,” Isco said.
“I have complete faith in this team.”