World Cup

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World Cup | Qualifiers

Oct 16, 2012 at 8pm UK

Spain
1-1
France

Sergio Ramos: 'Late mistakes cost Spain victory against France'

By Liam Power, ReporterPublished: 16 October 2012 11:16 PM

Spain defender Sergio Ramos insists that his team have only themselves to blame after the reigning world champions conceded a 93rd-minute equaliser to France in Tuesday's entertaining qualifier.

Spain defender Sergio Ramos believes that his team's own mistakes cost them three crucial points against France on Tuesday.

Ramos had given Spain the lead at the Vicente Calderon on 25 minutes after he rifled home a cross from close range.

The home side spurned numerous opportunities to secure a vital victory, most notably when Cesc Fabregas failed to convert a penalty kick thanks to a strong save from Hugo Lloris.

France rallied and made the score 1-1 with just seconds left in injury time through Olivier Giroud, who tucked away a pinpoint cross from Franck Ribery to secure Les Blues a late point.

"The goal was more our fault than the virtues of France, but no one is to blame for the draw," the Real Madrid defender told AS.

"We feel a little stupid, especially as we had the three points in our hands. We had chances to score and then we failed to mark them."

Giroud's goal ensured Vicente del Bosque dropped points in a qualifying match for the first time in his reign as Spain coach.