Spain boss ready to face anyone in the quarter-finals at Euro 2012
Last Updated: June 18, 2012 10:53pm
Vicente del Bosque: Spain coach sticks to his principles as they beat Croatia
Sky Bet
Spain coach Vicente del Bosque admitted it was a hard-fought victory after seeing his side edge their way past Croatia to claim a place in the Euro 2012 quarter-finals.
Substitute Jesus Navas scored a late winner for the reigning European champions to send them into the knockout stages.
Croatia showed plenty of tactical acumen and ability as they nullified Spain's attack for large periods and created several good opportunities of their own to score, leaving Del Bosque relieved to see his side get the win.
"It was a difficult game for us, we had a high percentage of ball possession and we proved we can control the game," said Del Bosque.
Possession
"We were fighting for a victory, not a draw and we have taken a step forward here by qualifying, this is motivation for the quarter-finals.
"The team played well, even though things didn't go according to plan.
"It was a very tense match, very tough. They closed ranks at the back very well and didn't give us much space.
"We threw on Cesc (Fabregas) because we needed not only possession of the ball but someone to get forward into goal scoring situations."
Spain's opponents in their last-eight clash will be decided on Tuesday but the former Real Madrid coach has no preference about who they face.
Penetrate
"We have no preference whether it is France, England or Ukraine, we have to be ready to take whatever comes," he added.
Match-winner Navas congratulated the Croats for their sterling display while acknowledging the attacking instincts of his countrymen which helped them prevail.
"It was a tough match and they managed to play their game well. It was difficult to penetrate their defences," he said.
"We are the kind of players who go all out for victory because that is what we believe in and what we want."
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