The former http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Italy-c2926 in their Euro 2012 curtain raiser.
Spain took on the challenge of a resilient Azzurri in their opening fixture of European Championship. La Roja were held to a 1-1 draw in Gdansk with
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Antonio-Di-Natale-c6306 and Cesc Fabregas hitting the back of the net.
As the outfit from the Iberian Peninsula failed to get going against an Italian team who came in the match on the back of three back-to-back defeats, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Vicente-c36001 Del Bosque’s decision to start the match without a recognized striker left the fans bewildered,
as well as criticism from various corners.
Spanish back-up goalkeeper, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Pepe-Reina-c29672, came out in the open to defend the national selector’s decision to go with the ‘false 9’ tactic with as many as six midfielders flooding the centre of the pitch.
The experienced shot stopper remarked that with the technical diversity in the squad, he did not find it odd that Cesc Fabregas was given the go ahead of a traditional hitman.
Reina pointed towards the Catalan player’s excellent service over the years and his previous showings in the role to make his point.
"I really wasn't surprised to see Cesc starting there," he said while talking to reporters.
"He has played there before for us and has played very well. He is a player who not only creates a lot of space but he also has intelligent movement. “
"And it was from his movement that we got our goal, and so for that we are all really pleased."
Reina was full of praise for their rivals but claimed that it was the pitch that caused them more problems. The shot-stopper did not appreciate the dry ground and longer than necessary grass, letting the frustrations of his teammates known in the post match
press conference.
"We had more of a problem with the pitch. The grass was a little too long and they didn't wet the pitch," the http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Liverpool-c39809 shot stopper remarked.
"We needed it wet for some 75 minutes before the match. But we are not complaining. We knew it was going to be difficult to play against Italy.”
Tags: