KALININGRAD, Russia, June 24, 2018 (BSS/AFP) – Spain midfielder Isco
believes his side must stay true to the philosophy that brought them World
Cup glory in 2010 to achieve the result they need in Monday’s Group B decider
against Morocco.
After a breathless 3-3 draw with Portugal in their opening game, La Roja
laboured to a 1-0 victory over Iran, and require at least a point in
Kaliningrad against a Morocco side playing for pride to guarantee a last 16
berth.
“We have to be faithful to the end to the style of play that defines us,”
the Real Madrid playmaker told reporters ahead of the game.
“We have to play, pass a lot, keep the ball. If we play quickly across the
pitch the chances will come.”
Spain won a historic treble of European and world titles between 2008-2012
with a brand of possession-based football that came to be known as “tiki
taka”.
Along with Real teammates Lucas Vazquez and Marco Asensio, Isco represents
the cream of a new crop of Spanish talent looking to fill the void left in
the national team after legend Xavi’s retirement.
“This is my first time in a big competition with the national side,” he
said. “I feel at ease but it’s easier with all the big players in the side.”
Playing behind striker Diego Costa, Isco has delighted Spain fans this
tournament with his deft touch and vision, but the team heads to Russia’s
European enclave knowing the job is far from done.
While they could progress with a draw they would need to win and score
more goals than Portugal in their match with Iran in order to guarantee top
spot in Group B.
Coach Fernando Hierro, who only took the job two days before the
tournament began after the shock dismissal of Julen Lopetegui, said his team
won’t underestimate a Morocco squad that are yet to pick up a point.
“This is the World Cup, and not one single game is going to be easy,”
Hierro said. “We can improve, and I hope we will keep winning while we do so,
but nobody is giving anything away easily.
“In certain groups teams have already qualified (for the last 16) but our
group is very tough. We have no option but to secure all three points against
Morocco.”
The North Africans were the first team to be eliminated from the
tournament but Herve Renard’s men have acquitted themselves well.
They were desperately unlucky to lose 1-0 in their opener against Iran due
to a disastrous 95th-minute Aziz Bouhaddouz own goal.
Against Portugal they attacked fluidly and deserved something from a match
that saw them force several smart saves from Rui Patricio yet ultimately
walked away with nothing in the 1-0 loss.