In the aftermath of Italy’s stunning 2-0 Round of 16 win over European Championship holders Spain, Antonio Conte said his team will need an even more extraordinary effort against Germany in the quarterfinals.
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Spanish media blasted the national team as weak on Tuesday and called on coach Vicente del Bosque to resign after the defending champions were knocked out of Euro 2016 by Italy. By the end of Monday, those same fans were doing nothing but celebrate after Italy’s huge 2-0 win in which they absolutely dominated and humbled Spain – and earned a huge measure of revenge for their loss in the Euro 2012 final. “In sport sometimes the opponent is better but it’s not because we haven’t played without enough hunger”.
Asked whether this defeat signalled the break-up of a squad which led his nation to an unprecedented period of success, Del Bosque added: “I don’t think an era has ended”. Spanish football has a great structure.
“There are good youth academies and good players”.
The Spaniards, who struggled to impose their trademark, quick passing game on a slippery pitch, had already suggested they were on the way out when they lost their world crown with a shock group-stage exit from the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. “They have some wonderful players”, Conte said through a translator.
These combinations added up to Italy regularly getting four or five blue shirts into De Gea’s face.
Spain had a golden chance to equalise right at the death through Gerard Pique but Gianluigi Buffon was alert to the danger, making a brilliant save before Graziano Pelle’s strike sealed victory in injury time. Danger for Spain seemed to come everywhere, especially in the first half.
Italy will now play world champions Germany in the quarterfinals this coming Saturday.
De Gea had been much-criticized for his performance as Spain’s 15-game unbeaten run in the Euros came to an end on Tuesday with a 2-1 defeat to Croatia which cost them top spot in Group D.
“We were a bit timid in the first half, without confidence and determination”.
The English have still never won a knockout-stage game overseas in the European Championship in eight attempts and haven’t won a match beyond the group stage of a major tournament since 2006. “Today we showed everyone that Italy are not just “Catenaccio” [a tactical system based heavily on defence]”, said incoming Chelsea manager Conte.
It’s also uncertain whether Del Bosque will remain in charge. We’re not a physical team, we are technical.
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Caparros has in recent months turned down offers from Real Betis, Valencia and most recently newly-promoted Alaves as he has his heart set on the national team and has been recommended by Del Bosque, a former Real Madrid colleague. “Now it is about getting to Russian Federation [for the 2018 World Cup] in best condition possible to compete with the biggest teams”.
