MX23RW : Tuesday, December 24 15:22:44| >> :600:2766063:2766063:

Cesar Azpilicueta hopes Spain can emulate 2010 World Cup heroes

Cesar Azpilicueta hopes Spain can emulate 2010 World Cup heroes
© Reuters
The three-times winners sit in third place in Group E.

Cesar Azpilicueta has urged Spain to follow the example of their predecessors at the 2010 World Cup finals to get their Euro 2020 campaign back on track.

Luis Enrique's men head into their final Group E game against Slovakia in Seville on Wednesday sitting in third place after draws with Sweden and Poland and knowing there is little margin for error if they are to make it to the knockout stage.

However, having watched from afar as Spain fought back from a 1-0 opening defeat by Switzerland to win the World Cup in South Africa 11 years ago, Chelsea defender Azpilicueta is confident they can still make their mark.

He told a press conference: "What's required of us is to overcome these difficulties like the Spain squad did at the 2010 World Cup.

"I wasn't there, but we have to take that example and take the opportunities in front of us, meaning that we could finish top or second in the group.

"Every tackle, every pass, every chance needs to be treated like all or nothing. I think we will do it."

The Spaniards were held 0-0 by the Swedes in their opening fixture at La Cartuja despite dominating, and they had to make do with just a single point once again courtesy of Robert Lewandowski's equaliser five days later.

However, Azpilicueta insists there is little point in bemoaning their failings to date when they can still determine their own destiny.

He said: "Right now the situation is one that the Spain team has coped with in previous international tournaments.

"OK, this is a younger group, but the reality is that we have it in our hands. There's no point in wishing for six points when we don't have them."

A draw would be enough to send Slovakia, who launched their campaign with a win against Poland, into the last 16, but skipper Marek Hamsik, who played in a 2-1 European Championship qualifying victory over Spain in October 2014, knows that will be easier said than done.

Asked if he was surprised by their results to date, Hamsik said: "Of course. They were the favourites in our group and probably they themselves are surprised as well.

"But in football, you never know because every game is different. You always write a different story and tomorrow, it will be the same.

"Spain are the favourites. Everyone will expect their victory, but we will try to upset them. We need to get at least a point."

ID:452377: cacheID:452377:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:4000:
Written by
P A
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Kepa Arrizabalaga in action for Chelsea on July 22, 2020
Read Next:
Report: Kepa to accept loan exit and pay cut
>
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool16123137162139
2Chelsea17105237191835
3Arsenal1796234161833
4Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest179442319431
5Bournemouth178452721628
6Aston Villa178452626028
7Manchester CityMan City178362925427
8Newcastle UnitedNewcastle177552721626
9Fulham176742422225
10Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton176742726125
11Tottenham HotspurSpurs1772839251423
12Brentford177283232023
13Manchester UnitedMan Utd176472122-122
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham175572230-820
15Everton163761421-716
16Crystal Palace173771826-816
17Leicester CityLeicester173592137-1614
18Wolverhampton WanderersWolves1733112740-1312
19Ipswich TownIpswich172691632-1612
20Southampton1713131136-256


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!