..::Football IV::..

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Real Madrid may go for Pogba, says Perez

Real Madrid would be interested in signing Paul Pogba if the Juventus midfielder became available, Florentino Perez has confirmed.

Pogba was once again one of Juve's outstanding players as they won a fifth-straight Serie A title in 2015-16, and he will also be key to France's Euro 2016 hopes.

The 23-year-old has been linked with big-money moves to the likes of Barcelona, Manchester United and Manchester City, and Madrid president Perez has told Marca that the newly-crowned European champions would also be interested in his services."Pogba is a great player, but in midfield we have six great players, so I would not want to discuss speculation," Perez said.

"While he excites me, it is difficult to reach agreements if there are no termination clauses [in a player's contract]."If a player such as him [Pogba] is available, we may go for him, but would have to reach an agreement.

"It is very difficult to bring someone [in]. I'll talk to [Zinedine] Zidane. Our obligation is to be much better every year. He will decide if we can get someone better than we have."

Madrid came within a whisker of signing Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea on transfer deadline day last September, only for the deal to be scuppered by issues with the paperwork.

And Perez is unsure whether Los Blancos will launch another bid for the Spain international, given the performances of current number one Keylor Navas."I am not the one who has to decide," Perez added when asked about De Gea. "I would say it is very difficult to manage two great players in that position."

The Madrid president also addressed the issue of players leaving the Spanish capital, insisting Casemiro and James Rodriguez remain in their plans."Casemiro has been a surprise to some, but I had no doubts," he said. "He has the qualities that will lead him to become one of the greats.

"James arrived late and started late. Others were playing well. He is one of the great players we have."We have not had any offers for anyone or talked about the future."

 

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Morata: Improving on Spain's Euro feats is impossible


Alvaro Morata has admitted that improving on Spain's last two showings at the European Championship is "impossible".

Juventus striker Morata was not involved in the history-making Spain squads that won both Euro 2008 and 2012, but is heading to France with Vicente del Bosque's party this time around.

And the 23-year-old is hopeful of making it an historic hat-trick for the 2010 world champions."To do better than Spain have already done in recent years will be difficult, because surpassing what that team achieved is impossible," Morata told AS. "But we can try to equal it."

With regard to how Spain can retain their crown once again despite the retirements of key men such as Xavi and Xabi Alonso since their triumph in Poland and Ukraine four years ago, Morata added: "Germany put faith in their younger players and came out as world champions in Brazil, and that’s what we’ll try to do.

"We hope we can win the Euros, but we know it won't be easy. Germany just lost to Slovakia in their friendly, so that gives us lots of belief, but also the knowledge and respect that not one team in France will be pushovers.
"And of course, you need some luck at these tournaments."

 

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Schneiderlin replaces Diarra in France Euro 2016 squad


France have confirmed that Lassana Diarra will miss Euro 2016, with Morgan Schneiderlin taking his place at the tournament. The Marseille player had been suffering from inflammation on his left knee, which did not impede Didier Deschamps from originally calling him up in his 23-man list.

But he was unable to recover in time for the home championships, giving Schneiderlin the chance to shine after being ommitted from the original squad.

The Manchester United man has appeared 13 times for France, and is yet to net his first goal in international colours. Diarra's injury is another blow for Deschamps, who has seen several of his original choices ruled out of action.

Barcelona's Jeremy Mathieu and Real Madrid's Raphael Varane have also been removed from the squad due to injury, with Rami and Samuel Umtiti coming in.

Schneiderlin's United colleague Anthony Martial, meanwhile, missed France's friendly with Cameroon, although he is expected to regain full fitness ahead of the Euros.

 

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Mourinho: I will not be distracted by Guardiola battle

Jose Mourinho will not let his personal duel with Pep Guardiola escalate in Manchester next season as he fears that would hand the initiative to one of their title rivals.

Mourinho, appointed manager of Manchester United last week, and incoming Manchester City boss Guardiola have a frosty relationship forged by their time at Real Madrid and Barcelona respectively.

The pair's simmering feud exploded prior to the 2011 Champions League semi-final when Guardiola hit out at the Portuguese's media persona. Four months later Mourinho poked Guardiola's assistant Tito Vilanova in the eye, sparking a melee between the players and coaching staff.

Despite the history of acrimony, Mourinho insisted he will not instigate more rivalry when he starts work at Old Trafford.

Speaking at Lisbon University, Mourinho said: "My experience does not allow me to be innocent."I was with Guardiola for two years in a league where either he or I would be the champion. Here, if I focus on him or he on me, the champion will be another (manager)."

Mourinho has been linked with a move for Sporting Lisbon midfielder Joao Mario but insists he has no intention of prising players from Portuguese clubs.
"I will not take anyone from here," he added.

 

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Perez: Zidane has made history at Madrid

Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has hailed coach Zinedine Zidane for making history at the club.

After taking over from Rafael Benitez in January, the Frenchman guided Madrid to the Champions League title on Saturday.And this achievement follows on from his successes in the same competition as a player, in 2002, and as an assistant manager, in 2014.

After seeing Zidane bring the trophy back to the Santiago Bernabeu once more, Perez was glowing in his praise of the 43-year-old's historic accomplishments."The key element is Zidane," the president told Marca. "He has changed the recent history of Real Madrid.

"Since 2001 he has created a way to understand football that has helped us win these European Cups."Perez also revealed that Zidane promised him success upon taking the job."Zidane symbolises the values of Real Madrid like respect, humbleness and talent," he continued.

"When I spoke to him back in January he told me he was ready to work and that he knew Real Madrid and its changing room very well."He said to me: 'Don't worry president, we will win something. I'm certain'."

 

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Benzema: Deschamps has bowed to racists with Euro 2016 selections


France striker Karim Benzema has accused coach Didier Deschamps of bowing to pressure from a racist political party in the nation.

The Real Madrid star was left out of the hosts' Euro 2016 squad, as the French Football Federation cited his need "to work towards unity" pending the outcome of a legal investigation into an alleged plot to blackmail fellow international Mathieu Valbuena, which had seen him suspended from international duty in December.

Eric Cantona had suggested Benzema, and Hatem Ben Arfa, had been left out of the squad due to their African heritage.Benzema, 28, said he felt coach Deschamps may have listened to political powers in his squad selection.

"He has bowed to the pressure of a racist part of France," he told Marca."He has to know that in France the extremist party reached the second round in the last two elections.

"I do not know, therefore, whether it is a decision only for Didier because I've gotten along with him, with the president, everyone."Benzema, who scored 28 goals for his club this season, is still open to playing for France again.

He said there was no reason for him to be left out, given his performances for the Champions League winners this campaign."In sporting terms, I do not understand why," Benzema said.

"At the judicial level, I have not been judged. I am not guilty, so we have to wait to see what the justice says."I like football and to play with my team."

 

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Cavani: I could move to Atletico

Edinson Cavani might be focused on the upcoming Copa America Centenario with Uruguay, but he has one eye on a potential move to Champions League finalists Atletico Madrid.The Paris Saint-Germain forward says a move to Atletico would interest him after spending the last three seasons with the French champions.Cavani has three Ligue 1 medals to his name and has scored 81 goals in 148 appearances for the club.

Having already lost Zlatan Ibrahimovic after the Sweden international chose not to renew his contract at PSG, it is unlikely coach Laurent Blanc will be willing to lose the Uruguay international.

But keeping him could prove difficult should the La Liga giants make a move for Cavani, who expressed an interest in playing for the club.

"It's a really competitive team that has demonstrated interest in me and that pleases me, you never know if things could go further," Cavani told a news conference.

"Football is always changing and you never know."Right now I'm a PSG player and I have to respect that; it would be improper to speak more about it."

And Atletico might have a secret agent in the Uruguay dressing room with defender Diego Godin in Cavani's ear."We're all friends in the team and Diego is in contact with everybody, being the captain," the striker said.

"Sometimes it's inevitable that we'll talk about the club he's at, it's normal he'd consult me about things involving me."

 

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Pogba denies buying house in Barcelona

Juventus star Paul Pogba has denied reports claiming he has bought a house in Barcelona.

The France international is likely to be one of the most sought-after players in Europe during the next transfer window after another superb season in Turin, where he claimed the domestic double once more with Juve.

Barcelona, Real Madrid, Manchester United, Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain have regularly been linked with a bid for the 23-year-old, but rumours of an imminent switch to Camp Nou have gathered pace this week after reports that he has purchased property in Barcelona.

However, when asked about the rumours by a fan on his official Facebook page, Pogba replied: "No house, it's invented."

Pogba arrived in Austria with the France squad early on Wednesday, with the Euro 2016 hosts taking part in a training camp prior to Saturday's friendly match against Scotland in Metz.

 

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Casillas becomes most capped player in European history

Iker Casillas has become the most capped player in European history after making his 167th appearance for Spain against South Korea on Wednesday.

The Porto man turned out between the sticks for La Roja in their Euro 2016 warm-up clash in Germany to set a new European international appearance record.

Casillas, who is currently Spain's second choice goalkeeper behind David de Gea, was level on 166 caps with former Latvia midfielder Vitalijs Astafjevs before facing South Korea.

The 32-year-old's feat is the latest highlight of what has been a sparkling career on the international stage, having helped Spain win the 2010 World Cup as well as the European Championships in 2008 and 2012.

Casillas represented his country at Under-15, 16, 17, 18, 20 and 21 level before receiving his first senior Spain cap against Sweden on 3 June, 2000.
The shot-stopper was first made Spain captain in 2008 and after helping them win the World Cup two years later, he became the third skipper to ever lift football's biggest prize, the Champions League and also the European Championships alongside Franz Beckenbauer and Didier Deschamps.

And on 5 September, 2015, Casillas kept a clean sheet on his 100th appearance as captain in Vicente del Bosque's side's 2-0 Euro 2016 qualifying win over Slovakia.

 

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Alaba agent proud of Real Madrid interest

The father and agent of Bayern Munich defender David Alaba is proud of rumoured interest from Real Madrid.A report in Spain on Tuesday claimed that the Champions League winners have lodged a €50 million bid for the Austria international.

His father George, who also acts as his representative, would not go into detail on Madrid's purported offer but admits that the speculation is flattering for the 23-year-old."We're at a moment when we don't need to make any comment. Madrid are a great club and I'm proud of the interest. That's all I can say, nothing else," he told AS.

Alaba signed a new three-year contract with Bayern in March this year and said he was eager to achieve more success at the Allianz Arena, where he has won five Bundesliga titles and four DFB-Pokals.

"I'm very happy and grateful that I can continue playing for the best club in the world," he told the club's official website. "There's a lot I want to achieve here in the years to come and I'll continue to give my best for FC Bayern."Alaba, tipped to be one of the stars at Euro 2016, scored an unfortunate own goal for Austria in Tuesday's 2-1 friendly win over Malta.

 

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'One of the best managers in the world' - Rooney excited by Mourinho appointment

Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney believes the club has hired one of the game's greatest managers in Jose Mourinho.

Former Chelsea manager Mourinho was confirmed as Louis van Gaal's replacement last week, and will be tasked with returning United to the top of English football after three years of toil under David Moyes and the Dutchman.Rooney was reportedly a long-term target for Mourinho at Chelsea - with a switch reportedly close after Sir Alex Ferguson left United in 2013.

Finally under the stewardship of the two-time Champions League winner, United captain Rooney spoke in glowing terms when discussing the appointment for the first time.

"It's exciting," Rooney told a news conference ahead of England's pre-Euro 2016 friendly with Portugal."He's one of the best managers in the world and obviously knows the Premier League really well.

"For myself and for the other Man United players it's exciting times so I'm looking forward to it."

 

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Rashford deserves Euro 2016 spot - Rooney


Marcus Rashford is richly deserving of his place in England's Euro 2016 squad, according to captain and Manchester United team-mate Wayne Rooney.Rashford's United and England debuts were separated by just 92 days, though the 18-year-old found the net on both in a stunning start to his career.

Eight goals in 18 games at Old Trafford, as well as that maiden strike against Australia in Sunderland last week, were enough to convince Roy Hodgson to call-up Rashford.

And Rooney believes Rashford is here to stay, praising the way his fellow striker has handled his meteoric rise to fame.

He told a news conference: "The way he took to coming into the Man United team and the way he's performed from then until the end of the season has been incredible for his age and he's certainly showed what he can do in his first game for England, couple of minutes got his first goal.

"What's pleasing is his attitude, it's first class and that's shown round the hotel and on the training pitch, Roy's chosen him and he deserves it so he could be a real positive for us."It's great for the team and the squad that Roy's got options as strikers and midfield, a lot of attacking options that you need going into the tournament."

Rooney believes he can lead England's young squad - one of the tournament's least experienced - to success, and is confident that he is in the best possible shape to do so.

"It's a proud moment for myself to captain the team in a tournament," the United skipper added."It's a young squad but it's got a lot of quality. "I've said in the last two years, I'm really excited to be in this team. Nothing's changed, I'm excited to lead the team and I really believe we've got a good squad to do well."

He continued: "I'm injury free. I feel a lot of tournaments, not all of course, but a lot I've had little niggles so I'm happy with my fitness and my form and just looking forward to the tournament."

 

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Spain 6-1 Korea Republic: Nolito and Morata at the double as La Roja stroll to victory

Nolito and Alvaro Morata were the star men as Spain made a mockery of South Korea's recent fine form, winning 6-1 on the road to Euro 2016.

Uli Stielike had told his Korean side to play with the belief that they could beat the double-defending European champions, but a national-record run of nine games without conceding was emphatically ended in Salzburg.

David Silva's stunning free-kick brought the match to life on the half-hour, but things soon went from the sublime to the ridiculous as Korean goalkeeper Kim Jin-hyeon's comical error presented Cesc Fabregas with a tap-in.

Nolito and Alvaro Morata enhanced their chances of a place in Vicente del Bosque's frontline with a pair of goals each, though this week's arrival of Atletico and Real Madrid players - none of whom featured here - will give the Spain coach plenty to ponder.

After scoring twice in the 3-1 win over Bosnia-Herzegovina last time out, Nolito delivered another two-goal show which could convince Del Bosque that he deserves a regular role and his presence on the shoulder of the defence was an early menace, but Jang Hyun-soo was alert to the danger.

Morata found the net soon after, though it was ruled out for offside, but there was no denying Silva - who bent a superb set-piece right into the angle from fully 30 yards to get the ball rolling.

Kim's moment of madness - failing to gather the ball after a Jang header back - allowed Morata to tee up Fabregas, and it was three before the break as Cesar Azpilicueta angled a neat ball into Nolito, who cut inside and finished through the goalkeeper's legs.

Four half-time changes did little to quell Spain's momentum. One of the substitutes, Thiago Alcantara, saw a free-kick from the left drift all the way in, only for Gerard Pique's presence beyond the last man to prompt the linesman's flag.

The Bayern Munich man delivered tellingly just three minutes later as his corner from the left was headed home by Morata and Nolito grabbed his second with a powerful finish after Hector Bellerin and Thiago linked up superbly on the right.

Del Bosque replaced Pique with Aritz Aduriz, who joined Morata up top with Bruno Soriano dropping into defence, but Ju Se-jong scored with an effort which deflected off Bruno and past debutant goalkeeper Sergio Rico.

Nevertheless, the tactical reshuffle suggests the holders will enter Euro 2016 with the Plan B which they devastatingly lacked as they went out of the 2014 World Cup in the group stage, and Morata added to the positivity with a narrow late finish to cap a fine outing.

 

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Congratulations Spain!

VAMOS ESPANA​

 

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Zidane wants Pogba at Madrid, but unsure on Morata return

Zinedine Zidane has insisted any club would want a player of Paul Pogba's quality in their ranks amid increased speculation linking the Juventus midfielder to a move to Real Madrid.

Pogba joined the Turin giants from Manchester United in 2012 and quickly established himself as a key member of the first team, going on to win four straight scudetti.

Madrid president Florentino Perez this week admitted the club could attempt to sign the Frenchman, who denied reports he had bought a house in Catalonia amid interest from Barcelona, if he becomes available ahead of next season.

And former Juve midfielder Zidane is in no doubt that Pogba would be a suitable player for the club from the Spanish capital."He is a great player, every team would want to have him," Zidane said in Turin.

"But he is a Juventus player and we have to respect that."Another Juve player to be linked with a move to the Santiago Bernabeu is former Madrid striker Alvaro Morata.

The European champions included a buy-back option when selling the Spain international in 2014, but Zidane is unsure if a transfer will take place in the coming months."He has grown a lot in Italy," he said. "I don't know what will happen, but he did very well at Juventus.

"It is normal that they still want to keep him for another year, so we will see what happens."It's not the time to talk about it yet."

 

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Isco staying at Real Madrid, insists Zidane

Zinedine Zidane insists Isco is staying at Real Madrid despite not being a regular starter in their run to Champions League glory.

The 24-year-old only started two of his side's seven matches in the tournament's knockout stages, with Casemiro, Toni Kroos and Luka Modric serving as Zidane's preferred midfield three.

After the penalty shootout victory over Atletico Madrid in the final last Saturday, Isco revealed he would opt to stay if Madrid wanted to keep him despite reports linking him with Juventus and several Premier League clubs.

Zidane maintains he wants to keep Isco, who has been left out of Spain's Euro 2016 squad, stressing the club have not spoken to Juve about any players, with Paul Pogba and Alvaro Morata said to be of interest to the European champions."Isco is a Real Madrid player and he is not leaving," Zidane said in Turin as he opened a new football academy.

"We have just finished the season and haven't had time to talk about the market or any players who may be of interest to Juventus."Zidane divulged he was open to the prospect of coaching former club Juve in the future, as well as the France national team.

"There is a special feeling with Juve, so you never know. One day I may return to Turin in the dugout," he said. "I would also like to be France coach one day, but we will see.

"Juve have grown a lot in the last few years. They can win everything and do well in the Champions League, but I am the coach of Real, so it is best if we win."

 

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Belgium 1-1 Finland: Lukaku strikes to rescue late draw for Wilmots' men

Belgium received a jolt ahead of their Euro 2016 campaign as Marc Wilmots' charges were held 1-1 at home to Finland on Wednesday.

With Vincent Kompany among a string of defensive casualties, the hosts went behind when Kasper Hamalainan struck just after half time.

The Euro challengers subsequently laid siege to the Finland net, and eventually levelled just two minutes from time when Romelu Lukaku was left with an easy finish to seal the draw.

 

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Poland 1-2 Netherlands: Janssen and Wijnaldum on target in Oranje win

Georginio Wijnaldum scored an excellent winner as Netherlands ended Poland's seven-match unbeaten run with a 2-1 victory in Gdansk on Wednesday.

Vincent Janssen had the visitors in front at half-time, only for Artur Jedrzejczyk to head home an equaliser in the second half as Poland attempted to keep up their recent momentum heading into Euro 2016. Wijnaldum, though, struck in the closing stages to inflict a first home defeat in 13 matches on Adam Nawalka's men.

The result means Netherlands have now won four and drawn one of their last five away matches. Having not qualified for the Euros, they play Austria on Saturday in their final match before their end-of-season break, while Poland have one more Euro 2016 preparation match against Lithuania on Monday.

Poland were close to taking an early lead when Robert Lewandowski survived a crunching challenge from Jetro Willems to flick a pass towards Arkadiusz Milik. Netherlands captain Jeffrey Bruma failed to intercept, but the Ajax star struck the underside of the bar with only Jasper Cillessen to beat.

Janssen flashed one effort wide earlier on, but made no mistake with the opener after 33 minutes. Steven Berghuis, who did not start a Premier League game for Watford this season, sent in a cross and the unmarked striker planted a header home from inside the six-yard box.

Wojciech Szczesny got down to make a crucial save from the lively Janssen to keep Poland in the match, before again being called into action to deny Berghuis after a mistake from defender Michal Pazdan.

The hosts levelled just before the hour-mark when Milik's corner found Jedrzejczyk and the defender shook off the attention of Marco van Ginkel to divert a powerful header into the corner, with substitute Patrick van Aanholt unable to keep it out on the line.

But Netherlands scored the winner with 14 minutes to go. Poland failed to clear Quincy Promes' cross from the left, with substitute Luciano Narsingh impressively keeping the move alive before Wijnaldum spun to send a first-time, left-footed strike into the top corner.

Szczesny saved a curling effort from Promes late on before Milik sent a free-kick pver at the other end and Slawomir Peszko's shot deflected narrowly wide as Danny Blind's men held on for the win.

 

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Mexico 1-0 Chile: Hernandez condemns Copa champion to consecutive losses

Chile's preparations for its Copa America title defense went from bad to worse on Wednesday after substitute Javier Hernandez led Mexico to a 1-0 victory.

Hernandez came off the bench to score an 86th-minute winner as defending Copa champion Chile crashed to back-to-back defeats following last week's shock loss to Jamaica.

With the game seemingly petering out for a draw in the final warm-up fixture for both teams at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, Hernandez sprung the offside trap and headed powerfully past Cristopher Toselli as Mexico's unbeaten run extended to 19 matches.Mexico recorded an eighth consecutive clean sheet in the process, with the Mexicans last tasting defeat in the 2015 edition of the Copa America.

Both Mexico and Chile made numerous changes to their starting XIs for the last pre-Copa clash before the tournament gets underway in the United States on Friday.

Juan Carlos Osorio rang the changes, with Nestor Araujo the only player to keep his place following Saturday's 1-0 win over Paraguay, as the likes of Hernandez and Rafael Marquez dropped out.

It was a similar story for Chile, with returning star midfielder Arturo Vidal part of three changes to the line-up, which included Alexis Sanchez, after last week's surprising 2-1 loss to Jamaica.
Chile made a lively start to proceedings, firing an early warning to Mexico after a swift counterattack saw Edson Puch's low shot flash just wide of the post in the second minute.

Mexico did enjoy some forays forward but Chile goalkeeper Toselli was largely untroubled as Puch was in the thick of the action again, striking the post approaching the half-hour mark.

Continuing to dictate play, Mena played an inch-perfect ball over Mexico's defense, picking out Puch at the back post and the 30-year-old LDU Quito winger hit the outside of the post, with Mexico fortunate to head into halftime on level terms.The introduction of captain Andres Guardado gave Mexico fresh impetus in the second half, as the CONCACAF Gold Cup champion pegged Chile back in its own half.

Despite the improved display, the Mexicans never really threatened Toselli.At the other end, Sanchez was played in on goal by Vidal but the Arsenal star's half-volley went just wide from a difficult angle after hour mark.

But Mexico had the final say after Hernandez - a replacement for Raul Jimenez - latched on to Miguel Layun's cross and made no mistake inside the penalty area as Chile was left to pick up the pieces with just one win in six games.

 

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Del Bosque: Spain favourites to win Euro 2016


Spain coach Vicente del Bosque believes the two-time defending European champions are favourites to win the forthcoming Euro 2016.Braces apiece from Alvaro Morata and Nolito guided Spain to a 6-1 thumping of South Korea in Wednesday's pre-Euro 2016 warm-up fixture.

And as Spain step up preparations for the tournament in France, Del Bosque claims the 2008 and 2012 champions are the team to beat in their quest for a three-peat."We're favourites [to win the European Championship] because we won the tournament four years ago," the former Real Madrid coach said.

"There are other competitors but it's our dream to be champions again."Spain - in the midst of an 11-game unbeaten streak - have one friendly remaining, against Georgia on Tuesday, before facing the Czech Republic in their Euro 2016 Group D opener on June 13.

Matches against Turkey (June 17) and Croatia (June 21) will follow."We've improved recently, and I think we're in good shape. We are ready to start the European Championship," the 65-year-old added.

"We've had a very hard, very intense session [against South Korea], but we're preparing to arrive [in France] in the best condition."