"We wanted to top group and win"

Spain progressed to the last 16 in the most dramatic way possible. Luis Enrique's men reached the next round after losing to Japan and Germany's 2-4 victory over Costa Rica. At one point, Spain were eliminated.

After the clash, Sergio Busquets analysed the result: "It seemed like we had the match under control, they were waiting for a counterattack and that was what happened in the second half. A mistake playing out from the back, they were lifted by that, they are dangerous on the counter and retreat very well. We have to keep improving and at least we're through in second."

"We didn't want that to happen, our intention was to win. Now, we have to carry on, we've got the last 16 game against Morocco which is going to be a very difficult game. We wanted to be first and win, we didn't want to choose an opponent. We'd play whoever. Now we're in the other half of the draw in second, but that doesn't tell you that it's easier or harder," Busquets added.

Lastly, he explained what happened to the team: "We weren't comfortable because they close down passes very well between the lines and we struggled to be dangerous. We knew it was going to be like that. Those two goals have given them confidence and now let's try and keep making it through the next rounds."

 

December 1, 2022