MADRID: Spain coach Vicente del Bosque has urged his players to be more aggressive in attack after the world and European champions struggled to break down ultra-defensive Belarus in Friday’s World Cup 2014 qualifier.
Spain won the match in Palma de Mallorca 2-1 thanks to second-half goals from captain Xavi and substitute Alvaro Negredo.
The laboured victory lifted the Spanish three points clear of second-placed France with one match to play in Group I and a point against Georgia in Albacete on Tuesday will secure a berth at the finals in Brazil next year.
However, Del Bosque suggested some improvements will be needed if Spain are to become the third nation to retain their world title after Italy in 1938 and Brazil in 1962.
“Perhaps we didn’t find the means of opening up the pitch,” Del Bosque told reporters.
“We are clear about what to do against such a massed and intense defensive line but at times we are not effective,” the former Real Madrid coach added.
“We were lacking penetration down the wings and we need to look to take players on more, shoot more at goal and be a bit more aggressive in attack.
“We are analysing what happened today and we will have time from tomorrow to think about what to do on Tuesday.” (Reuters)
