Isco urges Spain to stay true to selves in Morocco decider

Spain v Morocco

AFP, KALININGRAD:  Spain midfielder Isco believes his side must stay true to the philosophy that brought them World Cup glory in 2010 to achieve the result they need in Monday’s Group B decider against Morocco.

After a breathless 3-3 draw with Portugal in their opening game, La Roja laboured to a 1-0 victory over Iran, and require at least a point in Kaliningrad against a Morocco side playing for pride to guarantee a last 16 berth.

“We have to be faithful to the end to the style of play that defines us,” the Real Madrid playmaker told reporters ahead of the game.

“We have to play, pass a lot, keep the ball. If we play quickly across the pitch the chances will come.”

Spain won a historic treble of European and world titles between 2008-2012 with a brand of possession-based football that came to be known as “tiki taka”.

Along with Real teammates Lucas Vazquez and Marco Asensio, Isco represents the cream of a new crop of Spanish talent looking to fill the void left in the national team after legend Xavi’s retirement.

“This is my first time in a big competition with the national side,” he said. “I feel at ease but it’s easier with all the big players in the side.”

Playing behind striker Diego Costa, Isco has delighted Spain fans this tournament with his deft touch and vision, but the team heads to Russia’s European enclave knowing the job is far from done.

While they could progress with a draw they would need to win and score more goals than Portugal in their match with Iran in order to guarantee top spot in Group B.

Coach Fernando Hierro, who only took the job two days before the tournament began after the shock dismissal of Julen Lopetegui, said his team won’t underestimate a Morocco squad that are yet to pick up a point.

 

Isco urges Spain to stay true to selves in Morocco decider

Spain v Morocco

AFP, KALININGRAD: Spain midfielder Isco believes his side must stay true to the philosophy that brought them World Cup glory in 2010 to achieve the result they need in Mondays Group B decider against Morocco. After a breathless 3-3 draw with Portugal in their opening game, La Roja laboured to a 1-0 victory over Iran, and require at least a point in Kaliningrad against a Morocco side playing for pride to guarantee a last 16 berth. We have to be faithful to the end to the style of play that defines us, the Real Madrid playmaker told reporters ahead of the game. We have to play, pass a lot, keep the ball. If we play quickly across the pitch the chances will come. Spain won a historic treble of European and world titles between 2008-2012 with a brand of possession-based football that came to be known as tiki taka. Along with Real teammates Lucas Vazquez and Marco Asensio, Isco represents the cream of a new crop of Spanish talent looking to fill the void left in the national team after legend Xavis retirement. This is my first time in a big competition with the national side, he said. I feel at ease but its easier with all the big players in the side. Playing behind striker Diego Costa, Isco has delighted Spain fans this tournament with his deft touch and vision, but the team heads to Russias European enclave knowing the job is far from done. While they could progress with a draw they would need to win and score more goals than Portugal in their match with Iran in order to guarantee top spot in Group B. Coach Fernando Hierro, who only took the job two days before the tournament began after the shock dismissal of Julen Lopetegui, said his team wont underestimate a Morocco squad that are yet to pick up a point.