News APP

NewsApp (Free)

Read news as it happens
Download NewsApp

Available on  gplay

This article was first published 5 years ago
Rediff.com  » Sports » Hierro proud as Spain stay strong after tough week

Hierro proud as Spain stay strong after tough week

June 16, 2018 08:42 IST
Get Rediff News in your Inbox:

Spain’s coach Fernando Hierro gestures at Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo during the Friday's World Cup match in Sochi.

IMAGE: Spain’s coach Fernando Hierro gestures at Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo during the Friday's World Cup match in Sochi. Photograph: Ueslei Marcelino/Reuters

Spain's strong show of unity after the sacking of coach Julen Lopetegui was almost enough to secure victory in their World Cup opener against Portugal on Friday, but Cristiano Ronaldo's late goal took some gloss off a superb performance.

With new manager Fernando Hierro urging them on from the sidelines, Spain bounced back from conceding an early penalty to lead 3-2 before Ronaldo's stunning free-kick claimed a point for Portugal in an enthralling match.

 

"We've all had to adapt very quickly to the new circumstances, we've had very little time before our opening match, so I really wish to express my heartfelt thanks for their commitment," Hierro told reporters.

"It wasn't an easy situation, but when you have this extremely good group of young players, and the staff, these excellent professionals, they make your life a lot easier," he said.

With Lopetegui sacked for signing a deal with Real Madrid without informing the Spanish FA, the 50-year-old former Spain captain was pushed into the spotlight as coach two days before they played their toughest Group B opponents.

"This is a matter that has to do with the team, a collective approach, but it's wonderful to have so many committed people who really want to help you, so I do feel that I'm extremely privileged," Hierro said.

IMAGE: Cristiano Ronaldo scores Portugal's second goal past Spain's goalkeeper David De Gea. Photograph: Murad Sezer/Reuters

Hierro, who had been working as sporting director for the Spanish FA, and his team stuck to Lopetegui's game plan and they executed it almost to perfection until they were undone by Ronaldo's strike.

The coach declined to criticise goalkeeper David De Gea, who allowed a shot from Ronaldo to squirm through his grasp to make it 2-2 just before half-time.

"We're not going to point the finger of blame at anyone. Of course there are moments when things don't go as well but we know what we want, and what we are asking our players and everyone is to see us as a team," Hierro said.

With Iran, who beat Morocco 1-0 with a late goal earlier on Friday, up next, Hierro said his team would be focusing on staying in Russia as long as possible.

"Every single player is extremely important, from number one to number 23, in training sessions, matches, the day after the matches. We are all members of the same family," he said.

Get Rediff News in your Inbox:
Source: REUTERS
© Copyright 2024 Reuters Limited. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of Reuters content, including by framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Reuters. Reuters shall not be liable for any errors or delays in the content, or for any actions taken in reliance thereon.

INDIAN PREMIER LEAGUE 2024

INDIAN PREMIER LEAGUE 2024