The Real Madrid midfielder was relieved with La Roja’s progress to Euro 2012 final and opined that Spain should have finished off the match in normal time.
Spain booked a place in Euro 2012 final as they knocked out an impressive Portuguese unit in the penalty shootout. http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Xabi-Alonso-c37045 was the only La Roja player to miss from the spot as they came one step closer to defending their European title.
The Real Madrid player was understandably pleased as Cesc Fabregas slotted home the final penalty, but voiced his belief that Spain should not have allowed the match to go to a penalty shootout lottery.
Alonso stated that the match was evenly balanced as both teams had small chances to tilt the affair in their favour but failed to do so, adding that he is relieved that http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Spain-c3011 have made it to the July 1st final.
"The game was evenly matched and competed and was known to be decided by a detail. And the details have been penalties. Fortunately we are in the final," he said.
Analyzing the fixture, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Alonso-c5254 claimed that Spain created the better chances in the semi-final meeting but had to wait until the penalty shootout to secure a final berth.
On the contrary, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Vicente-c36001 Del Bosque had very different thoughts to share. The Spanish manager admitted that La Roja did not play at their normal level but was pleased with their defensive unit.
The former Real Madrid player and coach especially praised the defensive unit of four backline players and two holding midfielders, who have yet to concede a goal in open play since their Euro 2012 opening match.
“We can discuss that we didn't play very well, but defensively we were great, all four defenders and two defensive midfielders. We had joy with [Jesus] Navas and http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Pedro-c29582 on the flanks."
"We are happy, we've made an extraordinary effort in a very equal game all over 90 minutes.”
Spain stand at the prospect of facing familiar foes in the final with http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Italy-c2926 battling it out amongst themselves in the second semi-final. Luis Aragones’ La Roja beat the two conventional European giants four years prior on their way to lifting
Euro 2008 title.
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