Ganar con superioridad es muy complicado.
The Spanish football coach, Luis de Fuente, stated on Thursday that it is «very difficult» to achieve victory, especially with «superiority» over the opponent, and that the first goal in the Netherlands caused «a lot of damage», but later, with the expulsion, they were «able to recover.»
«It is very difficult to always win, especially with superiority. The game was played with great equality, with alternatives. We started with a very good phase in the first twenty minutes, and then they were superior. The goal caused a lot of damage, but the team was able to recover, and with the expulsion, we were more recognized and dominated the situation,» Kuip said.
De la Fuente emphasized that the match was decided by «details» and that they faced a very strong opponent with «very good individualities.» «The match could have gone one way or another, but we are pleased to regain sensations after almost four months, and because the tie will be decided in Valencia,» he added.
Riojan explained that «you can always take the initiative,» especially when facing an opponent at «such an equal level.» «I had a very good 25 minutes in the first half, and then another 20 minutes towards the end, but it is normal to have options to play and dominate the situation,» he said.
The Spanish coach lamented not taking advantage of Morata’s header and explained that, with «so much quality,» there are many «alternatives» in the matches. «Qualifying for the quarter-finals against the Netherlands will be tough. And the Valencia match will be tough for us,» he added.
«Lamine is a fantastic kid and still a player. He understands perfectly when he has to sit out for a teammate; it is still a phase of his development as a footballer, but not just as a player, but as part of a team. It is a normal situation that, of course, is given more importance than us because his attitude is wonderful,» he said.
De la Fuente enjoyed the «great news,» which is for «Spanish football and the national team,» about the debut of Dean Huijsen. «Seeing a player debut at such a young age and play with that self-confidence, handling the pressure with total ease, is very good news. I am pleased to add another player to our family, and he had an extraordinary football and personal behavior,» he said about the debut of the Dutch-born player who entered the match.
Finally, Haro reassured fans about the injury of the FC Barcelona player, who is «annoyed,» but it «does not seem serious.» «We believe he will be fit for Sunday,» he concluded.
FUENTE
