..::Football III::..

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Kompany among Belgium stars to miss training ahead of World Cup opener

Vincent Kompany, Thomas Vermaelen, Jan Vertonghen and Moussa Dembele all missed Belgium’s open training session on Friday after picking up minor knocks in an intra-squad friendly 24 hours earlier.

Instead of joining the remainder of Marc Wilmots’ squad, the quartet were seen cycling gently around the roads of the Red Devils’ Paradise Golf Resort training base in a bid to relieve the slight injuries.

However, all four are expected to be fit in good time to feature in Belgium’s opening Group H fixture against Algeria in Belo Horizonte on Tuesday.

A team official confirmed that the group had been given a “separate programme” to the rest of the squad and there are no concerns over their availability for the clash with Vahid Halilhodzic’s side in four days’ time.

Belgium are favourites to progress from their group, with fixtures against Russia and South Korea also to come.

 

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Portugal relying on Ronaldo - Bruno Alves


Portugal centre-back Bruno Alves says his side are reliant on Cristiano Ronaldo being fully fit and in form for the World Cup.

The 29-year-old scored 51 goals in 47 appearances last season for Real Madrid, helping the Blancos win their 10th Champions League, in addition to the Copa del Rey.

However, Ronaldo has been blighted by injury issues since April and pulled out of training on Thursday after issues with his left knee, casting doubt on whether he will be in top shape for the Seleccao's opening clash with Germany on Monday.

Bruno Alves, a veteran in defence for Paulo Bento's men, acknowledged that Portugal would be a much weaker team without the two-time Ballon d'Or winner.

"The greatest player in world football had to be present at the World Cup and he will help the team achieve our aims," the Fenerbahce man, 32, told Antena 1. "We rely on our captain Ronaldo, always.

"The rest of the squad are all competing for a place in the starting line-up and we are all motivated. We've arrived in Brazil in good shape for the World Cup.

"All of the games will be difficult but we're keen to start well against Germany. Portugal have quality players who can make a difference in the World Cup - anything can happen. We can't make any predictions, but we all have dreams and goals."

Portugal follow Monday's 18:00CET clash with Germany with a tie against USA on June 22 before facing Ghana in their final group stage match on June 26.

They will be hoping to better their second round exit in 2010 and trying to at least match their World Cup 2006 showing - when they reached the semi-finals.

 

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'Disappointing' Lambert could make England rue Andy Carroll omission - Hoddle

Former England manager Glenn Hoddle believes the Three Lions could regret calling up Rickie Lambert ahead of Andy Carroll for the World Cup.

The 32-year-old made Roy Hodgson’s 23-man party after a fine season with Southampton that earned him a summer move to Liverpool, while an injury-disrupted campaign saw the West Ham star pick up only two goals in 15 games.

Carroll had an impact at Euro 2012, however, and Hoddle feels that he would have terrorised defences in Brazil – unlike Lambert, whom he has so far found “disappointing” at international level.

“Andy Carroll would have been in my England squad - he would have scared the life out of any defence,” wrote Hoddle for williamhill.com.

“He would have terrorised the Italians coming off the bench because they simply wouldn’t know how to handle him.

“Rickie Lambert was chosen ahead of Carroll, who is on standby, but he didn’t impress me, the way he led the line in Roy Hodgson’s shadow team against Ecuador. I thought he was disappointing.
“This World Cup more than any other, managers such as Roy Hodgson will want impact players - potential match-winners coming off the bench.

“I am not being critical of Roy’s selection. I am merely stating an opinion. He may prove me wrong and I hope that he does.

“As an England manager myself I know everyone wants to pick the England team, select the squad, everyone has an opinion and, the majority of the time, it’s a different one from the actual England manager.

“Roy is entitled to go with what he sees and that includes form inside the camp, which we don’t see, so his opinion is the one that counts the most and his decisions should be respected the most.”

 

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Tevez is better than Messi and Higuain - wife

Carlos Tevez's wife, Vanesa Mansilla, said it was "totally unfair" that the striker was left out of Argentina's World Cup squad, insisting he is better than Lionel Messi and Gonzalo Higuain.

The Juventus star hasn't been a part of the national team since Alejandro Sabella's appointment as coach and was left out of the squad for the tournament in Brazil.

Mansilla launched a scathing attack on the Argentina squad, insisting Tevez is better than every single one of the 23 man squad, but said she is happy that he gets to go on holiday with the family.

"It 's totally unfair that he was not called up," Mansilla said. "They are without the player of the people.

"Everybody knows that Carlitos is better than the 23 that are in the national team and will play in Brazil."On the one hand, however, it is good for us that he is not with the Albiceleste so he can go on holiday with [his children] Florentia, Katie and Lito who enjoy spending time with their dad.

"Now we'll go with the gang to Marbella: he and his friends play a round of golf at the Open Fuerte Apache, there'll be women there and we'll be at the beach with the children."

 

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Manchester United willing to wait on Strootman

Manchester United are continuing to monitor Kevin Strootman’s situation with a view to signing the Roma and Netherlands midfielder, most likely in January.

As revealed by Goal, Bastian Schweinsteiger is the Red Devils’ top midfield target this summer, with a £20 million bid for the Bayern Munich star on its way.

But manager Louis van Gaal remains keen on bringing Strootman to Old Trafford at the earliest opportunity, despite the 24-year-old currently recovering from a serious knee injury.

Strootman joined the likes of Mats Hummels and Luke Shaw on Van Gaal’s wishlist upon agreeing to take over at Old Trafford after the World Cup and United have asked to be kept abreast of the Netherlands star’s situation.

He was forced to miss out on the World Cup after being sidelined with a knee injury that could disrupt the start of next season.

But it has not deterred United's interest in signing him, with a January bid most likely to allow Strootman time to complete his rehabilitation. Should a summer bid become necessary to securing a deal, however, Van Gaal is open to making his move more quickly.

Strootman’s agent confirmed earlier in June that his client is “of interest” to the new United boss, with whom he has worked in the national team since 2012.

 

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Spain 1-5 Netherlands: Robben and Van Persie obliterate world champions

Netherlands left World Cup holders Spain shaken to the core after they recorded a 5-1 thrashing in their opening game on Friday.

Andres Iniesta scored in extra-time to give Spain a 1-0 win and the trophy in South Africa four years ago, and it appeared the same result was on the cards in Salvador when Xabi Alonso powered home a first-half penalty.

But the Netherlands hit back in stunning fashion, with Robin van Persie and Arjen Robben in scintillating form.

Van Persie levelled matters with a fabulous header on the stroke of half-time, before Robben - who fatefully missed a one-on-one with Iker Casillas in the 2010 final - gave Louis van Gaal's side the lead eight minutes after the interval.

Things went from bad to worse for the world champions when Stefan de Vrij nodded home a third on 64 minutes, before Van Persie and Robben netted again to complete a remarkable rout in Group B's opening fixture and cast further doubt over Spain's chances of winning their fourth straight major tournament.

Spain boss Vicente del Bosque forewent the temptation to start with Cesc Fabregas in the false-nine role that was so successful during Euro 2012, instead choosing Diego Costa as an out-and-out striker.

Costa's impact on their system was evident, too, as Spain opted for a more direct approach than in previous tournaments.

It was the Netherlands who created the first opening, Robben's inch-perfect throughball finding Wesley Sneijder, only for the playmaker - making his 100th international appearance - to shoot straight at Casillas.

Costa then spurned a couple of half-openings as Spain began to find their feet and the Netherlands' defending became increasingly desperate.

It was a last-ditch tackle that led to the opener, De Vrij's sliding challenge bringing down the lively Costa - with Alonso coolly converting from the spot.

Van Gaal's side enjoyed a good spell thereafter, but Spain threatened again on the stroke of half-time as Jasper Cillessen kept out David Silva's cute dink following a stunning Iniesta pass.

That miss would become all the more important soon after, Van Persie looping a superb diving header over Casillas after being picked out by Daley Blind's sumptuous long diagonal.

Picking up where they left off, the Netherlands went ahead soon after the break.

Another searching Blind delivery found Robben, who controlled and turned beyond Gerard Pique - who could only deflect his effort beyond Casillas.

Spain suddenly had no answer to their opponents' new-found verve, Van Persie rattling the crossbar with a vicious strike.

The woodwork could not save Del Bosque's men soon after, though, as De Vrij atoned for his earlier misstep by heading Sneijder's deep free kick in off the post after Casillas thought he had been fouled by Van Persie.

The Spain captain was visibly rattled, and an uncharacteristic error from him 18 minutes from time enabled Van Persie to notch his second goal of the game as he stole the ball from his feet and poked home.

And the Netherlands were not finished there, as Casillas was forced to pick the ball out of the net again as the irresistible Robben took advantage of more lax defending to race clear and round off a scarcely believable result.

 

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Spain 1 Vs 5 Netherlands in Pictures

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Chile 3-1 Australia: Alexis and Valdivia help see off plucky Socceroos

First-half strikes from Alexis Sanchez and Jorge Valdivia and a late goal from Jean Beausejour sealed a 3-1 win for Chile in their World Cup Group B opener against Australia.

Jorge Sampaoli's men stormed out of the blocks in the Group B affair, with Alexis and Valdivia on target inside 14 minutes.

Australia's all-time leading scorer Tim Cahill popped up to head a goal back for Ange Postecoglou's side on 35 minutes, as they steadied the ship.

And despite several chances - multiple off the head of Cahill and a brilliantly-taken volley from midfielder Mark Bresciano - Australia could not find an equaliser, and Chile sealed the three points when second-half substitute Beausejour struck from outside the area in injury time.

The South American nation dominated from the outset, and while they attacked down the left channel in the opening 10 minutes, they would soon garner much more joy from the other side of the Arena Pantenal.

Australia's time on the ball was minimal, although their one path to get in behind the Chileans would have been to draw their wingers forward and release the likes of Tommy Oar and Mathew Leckie.

Oar almost got onto the end of a long ball through from captain Mile Jedinak in the fifth minute, which drew Chile goalkeeper Claudio Bravo out of his area.

Chile turned their possession dominance into a two-goal lead inside 14 minutes, with star forward Alexis and Valdivia finding the back of the net.

Alexis finished after some scrappy Australia defence allowed Charles Aranguiz onto the right byline, and his chipped cross found the head of Eduardo Vargas.

Vargas did not connect firmly with his header, and it fell fortunately to Alexis, who side-footed into the back of the net, despite Australian custodian Mat Ryan getting a hand on the effort.

Moments later, Valdivia was left unmarked at the edge of the area, and Alexis found him with a pin-point pass and the Palmeiras midfielder tucked his shot in off the crossbar to double the South American nation's advantage.

Australia found their footing in the contest, when Cahill buried a vintage header in the 35th minute.

Ivan Franjic's cross from the right found the New York Red Bulls striker in the box, and he leapt higher than Chile centre-back Gary Medel to power home past Bravo.

Cahill almost made it two in as many minutes, but Bravo was up to the task with his right-foot effort from a tight angle as Australia's belief grew.

Their new-found confidence also saw them susceptible at the back when Mauricio Isla got in behind, forcing Australian left-back Jason Davidson to clear for a corner.

Injury struck the Australians early in the second half - with Ryan McGowan replacing right-back Franjic - although it did not halt their push for an equaliser.

Oar found the head of Cahill with a brilliant ball from the left on 50 minutes, although he failed to connect with any vigour - and the front man claimed he was fouled in the area.

And Cahill was left more frustrated as his buried header in the 53rd minute was disallowed, albeit rightly so, by the offside flag.

Bresciano then fired a left-foot volley on target, forcing Bravo to save low to his left as Australia's pressure from crosses intensified.

Bravo finally decided to clear the danger himself on Australia's next ball into the box, storming off his line to collect in a small win for Postecoglou's men.

However, Chile were always just one goal away from seeing off the Australian resurgence, and Vargas poked a goal-bound effort past Ryan only for centre-back Alex Wilkinson to clear off the line.

Leckie was running hard at Chile's defence, and his barnstorming run in the 66th minute failed to see him fire off a shot, but the FSV Frankfurt man had put left-back Eugenio Mena on notice.

Cahill kept jumping, and in the 70th minute sent a header just over Bravo's crossbar.

But there would be no late joy for the Australians, as Chile held on to gain a vital three points for their knockout-stage hopes as Beausejour drilled a fine effort across goal and into the bottom-right corner in injury time.

 

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Chile 3 Vs 1 Australia in Pictures

 

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Vidal: Spain will have watched us win

Arturo Vidal believes that his Chile side are equipped to knock Spain out of the World Cup.

The defending champions were routed 5-1 by the Netherlands in their opening Group B fixture and will face Chile on Wednesday June 18 in the Maracana.

Vidal's side defeated Australia in a pulsating encounter in Cuiaba on Friday night to move level with the Dutch on points and Jorge Sampaoli's men now face a crucial second game against the holders.

If the Spaniards are defeated then their World Cup defence will end after only two matches, and the Juventus midfielder believes that Chile are up to the challenge after goals from Alexis Sanchez, Jorge Valdivia and Jean Beausejour downed the Socceroos.

"Spain will have watched our game today," Vidal told Goal. "They know it will be always difficult for them to play against us."

Chile raced into an early two-goal lead with Sanchez right at the heart of the action. He fired Chile ahead with a smart finish following strong play by Charles Aranguiz before laying on an assist for Jorge Valdivia's brilliant contribution.

The South Americans threatened at that stage to overwhelm the Socceroos but a moment of laxity brought the underdogs right back into the game.

An Ivan Franjic cross was met by a characteristic Tim Cahill header, who left Claudio Bravo with no chance. Cahill could have levelled moments later when Matthew Leckie found him with a through pass but Bravo was equal to the task on that occasion.

Australia had the better of the chances thereafter, if not all the play, and Chile in the second half had Bravo to thank for ultimately preserving all three points.

"It was a very difficult game," Vidal admitted afterwards.

The threat of Sanchez on the break remained throughout and he occupied the Australian defence with his ability to turn quickly and find passes behind the lines.

On one occasion in the second half, his dexterity won him space away from the Aussies and he slipped a hidden pass into the path of Eduardo Vargas. The Valencia man's effort was goal-bound but tame and Alex Wilkinson was able to clear off the line before the goal-line technology system was needed.

Chile finally quenched the Australian challenge in injury time when Jean Beausejour struck a left-footed shot across Mat Ryan for 3-1.

Vidal played the best part of an hour in his comeback from knee surgery which limited his participation in Chile's build-up to the tournament. The Juventus midfielder is confident that his knee will stand up to the rigours of tournament football.

"The knee is fine," he said. "Every day I give everything so I am able to play."

 

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Croatia given a boost as Modric escapes serious injury

Croatia have been given a boost with the news midfielder Luka Modric has avoided a serious foot injury.

The Real Madrid man suffered a painful blow during Thursday's controversial 3-1 defeat to Brazil in the opening game of the World Cup.

Croatia felt aggrieved by some of Yuichi Nishimura's refereeing, particularly his decision to award a penalty to Brazil after a coming together between Dejan Lovren and Fred with the score at 1-1.

However, the more pressing concern for coach Niko Kovac was the fitness of Modric, who went to hospital for a scan on Friday.

"Luka stayed in El Salvador. We will see what happened to him. Yesterday, he got a strong blow to the foot," Kovac said. However, a statement published on the Croatian football association's website confirmed that an MRI "proved there is no fracture or ligament damage".

Modric is therefore expected to recover quickly, and should be available for full training on Sunday before Croatia face Cameroon in their crucial second Group A fixture three days later.

 

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Mexico can beat anyone, says Hernandez

Javier Hernandez feels Mexico can beat any team in the World Cup after they defeated Cameroon 1-0 on Friday.

Despite Giovanni dos Santos seeing two goals incorrectly disallowed for offside in the first half, Miguel Herrera's men picked up all three points from their opening fixture through Oribe Peralta's goal on the hour mark.

And Hernandez feels his side are capable of beating anyone, as they prepare to meet Brazil and Croatia in their remaining group-stage matches.

"We know we are going game by game, trying to get the three points and no team looks easy for us but no team looks imposible for us to beat," he told reporters after the game.

"The truth is we entered the game with no pressure, no matter what other people thought or said, we came with the illusion and motivation of a World Cup. You have to see coming here as a showcase, as an incredible opportunity to do what you love most, that is playing football in the best competition."

The Manchester United striker refused to criticise the officials' performances after another 90 minutes of controversial decisions, insisting they are only human.

"We have to be respectful, we didn't know they were wrongly disallowed. We were told at half-time. Referees are human and they are a third factor that we can't control - they try to do their best.

"If we can miss, so can they, it's part of football."

The striker also stressed that Brazil cannot be considered more dangerous than Croatia as Mexico prepare for their next two matches.

"All three are difficult, all have their own set of circumstances, but for us they are all equal.

"We are happy, we feel good, very motivated; we try to see things very simple, that this is football, what we love more."

 

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Pele: I fear Germany stars Ozil and Muller

Brazil icon Pele says he fears "every player" in the Germany World Cup squad - particularly Thomas Muller and Mesut Ozil.

Germany have been drawn in Group G with Portugal, Ghana and USA and are seen as one of the favourites to win the tournament.

And Pele believes that, while he feels Brazil will claim a sixth world title on home soil, Joachim Low's men pose a genuine threat.

"Brazil are the favourites. We are playing at home and have a good team," he told Bild. "But I really respect Germany. They are the best team in Europa together with Spain, both are perfectly organised."
"I fear every German player with my heart. Mainly Thomas Muller and also Mesut Ozil. These players could be dangerous."

The three-time World Cup winner added he has spoken to Franz Beckenbauer about the strength of the Germany team, although he warned that the strongest side on paper does not always enjoy the greatest success.
"Franz told me that he is very satisfied with the German team. They have a lot of young top-talented players. The midfield is maybe as strong as ever.

"But great players don't automatically lead to success. In 1982, Brazil had the best team by far with stars like Zico, Socrates or Eder - but in the end Italy won the World Cup. The tournament is never predictable."
Pele was then asked if he feels Bayern Munich made a mistake in not signing Neymar at Pep Guardiola's request, to which he replied:

"Yes, if there is a chance to get Neymar you must take it. He improves every team in the world."

The 73-year-old also revealed he has been approached by several clubs to take over as coach but he has never been interested.

"I have been asked often if I want to become coach. Santos asked me every year since I stopped playing in 1974. Also Milan, Benfica and the Brazilian national team wanted me.

"But I never accepted these offers because the job would have made me crazy. I might have demanded too much of the players.

"As a coach you have to bear a lot. Coaches often suffer with the pressure. I always enjoyed sitting on the stands and not on the bench.
He joked: "I only would have thought twice if Bayern would have asked."

 

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Van Gaal: No one would have dreamed Spain rout

Louis van Gaal admitted he never even dreamed that Netherlands were capable of utterly humiliating Spain 5-1 in Friday's Group B opener.

Xabi Alonso's penalty gave Vicente del Bosque's men the lead after 27 minutes but an incredible Robin van Persie header levelled the score before the break.

The Manchester United striker netted once more in the second half in between two Arjen Robben goals while Stefan de Vrij bundled another over the line as the Dutch ran riot against La Roja.

And after the match Van Gaal admitted that it was a result that no one would have seen coming.

"The best moment was on the pitch. Everyone was so happy on the field. No one dared to dream this," he told NOS.

"In the dressing room there was a speech from the captain [Van Persie] and from Sneijder.

"I never thought it would go like this. After the penalty from Spain I thought 'will it be a night like this? That the world champions would win like that?'.

"I was already thinking about what I would do at half-time. If it was still 1-0 at the break, I would play 4-3-3 to keep the pressure on the ball.

"But then Robin scored. He headed that ball with so much feeling. He knew it before. He saw the goalkeeper standing too far in front of his goal. It was a beautiful goal."
After scoring the equaliser, Van Persie ran over to the technical area to give Van Gaal a high five and afterwards the coach spoke of his admiration for the player.

"It's fantastic a player does that," he added. "It's a sign of appreciation, which is mutual."

Despite their perfect start, Van Gaal was also at pains to warn his players that there remains plenty to do if they are to reach the knockout stages and live up to their opening performance.

"We still have nothing," he insisted. "This is a good start. If we don't beat Australia, we have nothing. If we do beat them then we have a good start.

"We also have to play Chile. I said before we could beat Spain because they always want to attack. Spain always want to dominate.

"I wanted that also for 20 years. But you can't always attack. You must look at the players you have."

 

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Van Persie hails 'unreal' win over Spain

A euphoric Robin van Persie hailed an "unreal" performance from Netherlands after they trounced world champions Spain 5-1 in Friday's Group B opener.

Van Persie brought the Dutch level on 44 minutes with arguably the goal of the tournament so far after Xabi Alonso had given Spain the lead from the penalty spot, and the Manchester United man struck again after the interval.

Arjen Robben also netted twice and Stefan de Vrij bundled home as Louis van Gaal's men ran riot in the second half, gaining sweet if belated revenge for their 2010 World Cup final defeat to the same opponents.

After the match Van Persie still appeared in disbelief at what his team had achieved and called on all his countrymen to celebrate an historic win.
"This is unreal," he told NOS. "This is a dream come true for Netherlands. Sometimes inexplicable things happen. We must not forget that we only have three points. We must now continue. That is the reality.

"The whole country must enjoy this. I scored the equaliser in a perfect moment for us. We went to the dressing room with a good feeling. The 2-1 goal from Arjen Robben was scored in a fantastic moment.

"For them it was a huge blow. After that we continued. Often you stop after 3-1. But we kept going and going. All credit to the coach. These are his tactics. He already predicted how the match would go. Incredible.

"Everyone must enjoy this now. Tomorrow we will continue. Tomorrow we'll focus on Australia. Holland must party now. I can't wait to see those pictures. Have fun!"

 

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RVP ge 1st goal 1ka gananam kathakaranna deyak naha...pattama patta.​

 

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Robben: Spain thrashing is 'not revenge' for 2010 final

Arjen Robben insists the Netherlands’ stunning 5-1 win over holders Spain in their World Cup opener does not constitute revenge for the 2010 final.

Robben scored twice in the Group B clash in Salvador as Louis van Gaal’s side made the perfect start to the tournament against the team that beat them after extra-time in the 2010 final in South Africa.

The Dutch winger was delighted with the emphatic victory but claimed it did not represent payback.

“We are happy. I’m very proud of my team, it’s such a young team,” Robben told SporTV in Brazil. “It’s only the group stage, so it’s not revenge.

“We haven’t won the cup, it’s not 2010. We have to keep our heads cool.”

Two goals each from Robben and Robin van Persie plus a header from Stefan de Vrij ensured the emphatic victory for the Netherlands after Xabi Alonso had put the holders ahead from the penalty spot.

“We should take advantage of this win,” Robben added. “Maybe it will give us a good boost of confidence but it’s just the start.

“We keep training well and working hard. We will prepare for our next game against Australia, that’s all we can do.”

 

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'No need for a revolution' - Del Bosque

Spain coach Vicente Del Bosque insisted he will not be making drastic changes to his side despite their humiliating 5-1 thrashing by the Netherlands in their World Cup opener on Friday.

La Roja came into the tournament as the title holders – and two-time European champions – but were swept aside by a Holland side inspired by Robin van Persie and Arjen Robben.

Van Persie and Robben each scored twice, capitalizing on mistakes from the experienced Iker Casillas and Gerard Pique.

There will now be a clamour for Del Bosque to shake up his starting XI but the former Real Madrid boss hinted he would stick with the players who have served him so well in recent years ahead of the Group B clashes with Chile and Australia.
He told SporTV: "There is no need for a revolution. We did not win but we will move on and try to win the next game.

"This is a very delicate moment for us. We must all try to resolve this, beat Chile, and move on from there."It all appeared to be going to script when Xabi Alonso put Spain ahead from the penalty spot after 27 minutes.

David Silva ought to have made it 2-0 but moments later Netherlands equalised through a fine Van Persie header.The second half was a rout as Robben, Stefan De Vrij, Van Persie and Robben again completed one of the most surprising results in World Cup history.

Del Bosque added: "It's sport, we must accept defeat. They were better in the second half. If Silva makes it 2-0… but they caught us."In the second half they had more chances, found lots of space, we were too weak in defence.

"There were errors but we all fought for the result. We got down mentally, it was not about the physical state."

 

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Spain could not react to rampant Netherlands, admits Iniesta

Andres Iniesta admitted Spain were powerless to prevent a blistering Netherlands side ripping them apart to record a sensational 5-1 win in Friday's Group B opener.

The world champions took the lead on 27 minutes when Xabi Alonso converted from 12 yards after Stefan de Vrij had brought down Diego Costa, but a brilliant Robin van Persie header brought the Dutch level a minute before the break.

And Louis van Gaal's men promptly ran riot in the second half, with further goals from Van Persie, De Vrij and a double from Arjen Robben giving them sweet revenge for agonising defeat in the 2010 World Cup final.

After the match, Iniesta identified Van Persie's equaliser as the turning point, but insists Spain can recover.

"There is not much to say after a result like this," he told Telecinco. "We have to analyse what happened and think about the games we have left.

"Sometimes you can't stand a setback like the one we had in the first half. If we could reach half-time with a 1-0 lead would have left us untouched... in the end, those kind of details can decide a match.

"It was a tough game for us when they had the advantage on the result. It's a setback we didn't expect, but this is a World Cup and these things happen.

"We don't play to be praised or criticised. We tried to do our game, but we didn't know how to. If we win the two games left we will have options."

 

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Shambolic Spain must change, or die

Spain boss Vicente del Bosque had two major selection decisions to make for Friday's World Cup Group B opener against Netherlands. He got both wrong - and it's time for him to reassess what he believes is his best side or the reigning champions might be out of this tournament before they know what has hit them.

There had been rumours all week that the former Real Madrid coach would start with Javi Martinez at the back in place of Gerard Pique. However, when it came to the crunch, Del Bosque erred on the side of caution, electing against breaking up the longstanding central defensive partnership of Pique and Sergio Ramos. How he must rue that decision now.

Pique was dire; his positioning pathetic. The Barcelona centre-half lost Robin van Persie for the first goal and was also caught in no man's land for the second before then allowing Arjen Robben to cut back inside him far too easily.

It would be unfair to pin Spain's defeat squarely on the shoulders of Pique, though, not when so many around them performed so dreadfully. Indeed, even the in-form Sergio Ramos was left floundering in Robben's wake for the fifth goal - despite having had a five-yard head start on his former Madrid team-mate.

Of course, by that stage the game had been stretched - as well as lost - so a desperate, dishevelled Spain had become ever more vulnerable to the counter. That was because goalkeeper Iker Casillas had been punished twice in quick succession for terrible errors. First, the captain failed to deal with an inswinging ball from the left - the story of Spain's evening - thus allowing Stefan de Vrij to bundle the ball home. Then, Casillas gifted Van Persie his second of the game with a shocking first touch inside his own area.

Both Pique and Casillas must surely be facing the axe? Indeed, it was clear during a most painful 90 minutes for La Roja that this is a side that, after an unprecedented period of sustained success, needs freshening up. Netherlands have completely overhauled their line-up since the 2010 final between these two sides; Spain have stood still. That Del Bosque has stood by men who have delivered three consecutive major international trophies is understandable, but now is clearly the time for change.

Of course, it was hoped that Diego Costa would add a new dimension to Spain's now predictable approach. However, the Brazil-born forward looked desperately out of place. The Atletico man won the penalty from which Xabi Alonso scored but he was a lumbering presence up front; his finishing embarrassingly wayward. It was no surprise that he was replaced by Fernando Torres midway through the second half. In truth, he was lucky not to have been asked to leave the field before then, having been guilty of a sadly characteristic show of petulance in throwing his forehead in the direction of Bruno Martins Indi.

By that stage, Spain were already unravelling. By that stage, they had been brutally exposed. Just like Barcelona 12 months ago.

Del Bosque's initial post-match reaction was to back his team, to shelter them from criticism, and maintain control. But doing that has brought us to this point. He must ring the changes for Spain's next game, a tricky encounter with Chile.

This is obviously no time for panic. Spain, after all, lost their opener in South Africa four years ago. They remain a great side. But change is clearly required. Even Del Bosque himself acknowledged in his pre-game press conference that Spain's squad has barely changed over the past four years - yet time stands still for no side, no matter how great they are.

Xavi stated on Thursday that Spain will live or die by their beloved style of play. At the Fonte Nova, they were dealt a near-fatal blow. But Tiki-taka is not dead. Not yet. It just needs to be resuscitated. And quickly.