The Spain manager, Vicente del Bosque, has said that his side will not settle for a draw against Croatia in their final Group C game at Euro 2012 on Monday.
A point would be enough for the world champions to guarantee their place in the last eight, and a 2-2 draw would also ensure that both sides progress at the expense of Italy, but Del Bosque wants another three points. “We are sportsmen and the Croatians are as well, therefore we will go out to win.
“There is no possibility of planning a draw that favours us – I haven’t even done the calculations. The only thing that interests us is winning.”
Del Bosque was delighted with his side’s performance against Ireland, and his decision to recall Fernando Torres to the starting lineup ahead of Cesc Fábregas was vindicated, as the Chelsea striker scored twice.
Fábregas, though, came off the bench to score Spain’s final goal of the evening to take his tally for the competition to two in two games, and Del Bosque claimed the Barcelona midfielder was still very much in his plans. “I was happy because our objective was to win and we have done that.
“Moreover, we have managed to pass the margin by which Croatia beat Ireland and we did so by playing well. It is also important for the morale that this victory gives the group.
“The other day we had confidence in Cesc and he rewarded us with a goal, but Fernando could also have played for precisely the reason of what he did against Ireland.
“We are delighted to be able to have such great resources. We intend to take advantage of all the possibilities. We have 23 players and all of them could play. We have to choose and leave out people for every game and this will create debate if you don’t win.
“I have the same confidence in Cesc that I had four days ago, but we have other options. Against Ireland we looked to dominate and have the initiative and for that reason we went for the speed and movement of Torres.”
Guardian
