Evening Telegraph (First Edition)
‘Spain must be fully focused’
SPAIN coach Fernando Hierro insists his side can take nothing for granted when they face Morocco in the World Cup tonight – even though their opponents have already been eliminated.
Morocco are out having already lost to both Iran and Portugal in their opening two Group B matches.
After a topsy-turvy 3-3 draw with Portugal in their opening Group B game, Spain pulled off a narrow 1-0 win over Iran.
Hierro, who took over on the eve of the finals following the sacking of Real Madrid-bound manager Julen Lopetegui, has all but guided the 2010 World Cup winners into the knockout stages.
A surprise defeat t o Morocco could yet see them eliminated and the former Spain captain i s keen for focus to remain in place in Kaliningrad tonight.
“Our obligation is to play a good game, to get three points and if we can be at the head of the group – even better,” he said.
“We know it is going to be a tough match, always when you play against teams who are eliminated you don’t know what they are going to do – it could be a big surprise.
“We can’t take anything for granted.
“We know that Morocco are an excellent team, they reached the finals of a World Cup after not being here for many years.
“We have to force ourselves to find something to fight for so we can compete in the best possible psychological condition.”