'Below-par Spain still dangerous'
Source: AFP |
June 22, 2012, Friday
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GERMANY coach Joachim Loew has insisted defending champion Spain remains the favorites to win the Euro 2012.
Germany, which lost to Spain in the 2008 final, is the only team at the European championships to have a 100 percent record after three wins in Group B on the back of 10 wins from 10 in its qualifying campaign.
Having hammered Ireland 4-0 in Group C and drawn 1-1 with Italy, world champion Spain finished top of the pool with a nervy 1-0 win over Croatia on Monday needing an 88th-minute goal from Jesus Navas to claim victory.
But Loew says he is not fooled by La Roja's recent below-par performance. "I have watched Spain twice and they are absolutely world class with the combinations they have," said the 52-year-old Loew.
"They have just suffered the same fate as many other teams here, you have opponents sitting very deep and trying to disrupt your rhythm.
"You can still rely on Spain to pull off some kind of goal-scoring move. They have fantastic players, (midfielder Andres) Iniesta, for example, is a product of a great footballing culture.
"Spain always were, and remain, the favorite to win the tournament."
Loew said Germany has stayed true to his desire to see attacking football, but the tight defenses the Germans have encountered at the finals has meant a more patient approach.
"You end up with more possession and control playing the ball wide, but that is the consequence of opponents sitting deep," said Loew.
Germany, which lost to Spain in the 2008 final, is the only team at the European championships to have a 100 percent record after three wins in Group B on the back of 10 wins from 10 in its qualifying campaign.
Having hammered Ireland 4-0 in Group C and drawn 1-1 with Italy, world champion Spain finished top of the pool with a nervy 1-0 win over Croatia on Monday needing an 88th-minute goal from Jesus Navas to claim victory.
But Loew says he is not fooled by La Roja's recent below-par performance. "I have watched Spain twice and they are absolutely world class with the combinations they have," said the 52-year-old Loew.
"They have just suffered the same fate as many other teams here, you have opponents sitting very deep and trying to disrupt your rhythm.
"You can still rely on Spain to pull off some kind of goal-scoring move. They have fantastic players, (midfielder Andres) Iniesta, for example, is a product of a great footballing culture.
"Spain always were, and remain, the favorite to win the tournament."
Loew said Germany has stayed true to his desire to see attacking football, but the tight defenses the Germans have encountered at the finals has meant a more patient approach.
"You end up with more possession and control playing the ball wide, but that is the consequence of opponents sitting deep," said Loew.
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