Despite a gruelling match against Italy, Del Bosque said his side will put in a maximum effort against Brazil in the final tomorrow. PHOTO: AFP
Thursday’s game, played amid stifling humidity, saw Spain prevail 7-6 in a shoot-out after 120 energy-sapping minutes failed to yield a goal, with substitute Jesus Navas netting the decisive spot-kick.
Brazil will benefit from an extra day’s rest prior to tomorrow’s final at Rio de Janeiro’s fabled Maracana, having beaten Uruguay 2-1 on Wednesday, but Del Bosque said he had no concerns about the uneven turnaround.
“I’m not looking for excuses,” said Del Bosque. “It shouldn’t be an excuse. It’s a different match. We have 72 hours, others have a bit more, but we want to put on a good show.
“The players put in a great effort, although it’s true that they play two times a week for practically the whole year.
“They’ve stepped up to the mark for the national team, but we still want a little bit more.”
Captain Iker Casillas admitted that Cesare Prandelli’s side had asked them searching questions.
“They put a system in place that really complicated things for us,” said the Real Madrid goal-keeper, who was voted man of the match.
“Italy were well organised, with two full-backs who attack a lot, get forward and come into the centre. I’m convinced that Brazil won’t play like that.
“The whole world wanted to see a Brazil-Spain final, and in the end the two teams who are there are the ones who deserve it.
Spain can show Italy the way, says Prandelli
Italy coach Cesare Prandelli urged his players to follow the example of Spain.
Prandelli said he could not fault his players’ desire and encouraged them to draw inspiration from the way that Spain’s all-conquering tiki-taka style has developed over the last five years.
“They have been a great team these last years, they’ve shown continuity in their game, and we would also like to have continuity in our game,” said the former Fiorentina coach.
“Tonight we’ve been up to the task, we’ve matched them stride for stride. We tried to play on the ground and we showed great courage and willingness.”
Italy will now have three days to recover before tackling Oscar Tabarez’s Uruguay at Arena Fonte Nova.
Published in The Express Tribune, June 29th, 2013.
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