Del Bosque expects more enjoyable World Cup

Spain manager lauds team’s efforts in qualifying campaign.

MADRID: Spain coach Vicente del Bosque said he expects the 2014 World Cup to be a ‘fun’ experience for his side compared to an at times turgid qualification campaign.

Despite negotiating a potentially tricky group that includes 1998 world champions France relatively comfortably, Spain have come in for some criticism for their inability to break down lesser sides in the group. But Del Bosque believes playing against more adventurous opponents in Brazil will aid his side to play better football.

“In this qualification group there have been four ugly, uncomfortable matches in which we haven’t felt happy with the way we have played, but there were three where we played at a very good level,” he said.

“It was just a few months ago, in Paris, in March, where we showed exactly what this team can do.

“The opponents want to keep their dignity. In the World Cup it won’t be like this because the possession will be shared more.

“The teams that have already qualified are very strong and World Cups are a different thing. They are more open and fun.”

Ferguson touted for Australia job

Former Manchester United goalkeeper Mark Bosnich has urged Alex Ferguson to come out of retirement and manage Australia in next year’s World Cup, according to Sky Sports.

Following their back-to-back defeats against Brazil and France, German coach Holger Osieck was dismissed as the Australia boss on Saturday.

Bosnich, who had two spells at United under the legendary Scot, believes Football Federation Australia should do all it can to convince the 71-year-old to take charge of the side.

“We’ve been throwing around a lot of names but there’s one person that I haven’t heard mentioned,” said Bosnich.

“I’m just being honest and have had experience under him, so know what he’s like — it is Sir Alex Ferguson.

“That name hasn’t been put about, but we need someone of that ilk.

“He would command a top whack, and in sport, you get what you pay for. If you want the very best, you’re going to have to pay for the best.”

Published in The Express Tribune, October 16^th, 2013.

Like Sports on Facebook, follow @ETribuneSports on Twitter to stay informed and join in the conversation.