France coach believes that Xabi Alonso’s early goal was the key moment in the match as it nullified his defensive tactics in the
2-0 loss to Spain in the UEFA Euro 2012 quarter-finals
Laurent Blanc deployed a five-man midfield in an attempt to counter the threat Spaniards pose in the middle of the park. However, his tactics failed as the reigning champions thrashed Les Bleus and qualified for the semi-finals where they will face http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Cristiano-c9622
Ronaldo’s http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Portugal-c2984.
The Frenchman stood by his tactical choices as he believes that was the best way to stop Spain from taking an upper hand against his side. Blanc stated that had it not been for Spain’s early goal, the defensive tactics would have worked well for his side.
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/France-c2899 put in an impressive showing in the second half but failed to pose any serious threat to the Spanish goalkeeper. Xabi Alonso’s second goal of the match from the spot put the game to bed. Les Bleus had few good opportunities in the second half to come
on level terms with http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Spain-c3011 but failed to score.
However, Laurent Blanc is more frustrated with his side’s inability to stop Spain from scoring so early in the match than with those wasteful chances.
"If you look at the first half, it's the only time Alba was able to put a cross in. Even though we covered the front post, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Xabi-Alonso-c37045 scored at the back post. It's a frustrating feeling. We knew they were dangerous on that side, we changed our team to compensate,
and they score from that side."
According to the Frenchman, Spain were the better side without any doubt but La Roja were afraid of his side and that is why they were very cautious in their approach.
"In my belief, they are better than us. But my regrets are about conceding in the first half. Even though they dominated the match, I think they feared us a bit, particularly in attack.”
Laurent Blanc had promised supporters that he will guide Les Bleus to the quarter-finals and the former France international has achieved his pre-tournament objective. Whether the Frenchman will be offered a new contract or will he kick-start his managerial
career somewhere else is yet to be seen and only time will tell where the witty tactician will end up.
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