Spain storm to finals after early setback
Friday, October 9, 2015
Article summary
A defeat by Slovakia shook Spain's faith for a while, but La Roja roared to the finals regardless, though Vicente del Bosque acknowledged his side "had to work hard".
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Two goals each for Santi Cazorla and Paco Alcácer gave Spain the 4-0 Group C win against Luxembourg that confirmed their place at UEFA EURO 2016 in France next summer, Vicente del Bosque's side in the mix to become the first team to win three successive UEFA European Championships.
However, it was not an easy campaign for La Roja. Smarting from an early exit at the 2014 FIFA World Cup, Spain's faith was shaken by a 2-1 defeat in Slovakia in their second game. However, a subsequent run of seven straight victories – and just as many clean sheets – propelled them to the top of the section and beyond.
Reaction
Vicente del Bosque, Spain coach
We've got a lot of points in this campaign but it wasn't easy given the defeat we suffered against Slovakia.
We have had a good qualifying campaign but we had to work hard. We must congratulate ourselves. I think we have an idea of how we want to play.
Juanfran, Spain defender
We are happy to have got to the EURO again and to be able to represent our country. We will work hard to get as far as we can at the final tournament.
Key stats
Best result: winners 1964, 2008, 2012
Coach: Vincente del Bosque
Leading scorers: all-time – David Villa (56); current – David Silva (23)
Most appearances: all-time – Iker Casillas (164); current – Iker Casillas (164)
Record EURO appearances
Overall: Iker Casillas (48)
Final tournament: Iker Casillas (14)
Record EURO goals
Overall: Raúl González (19)
Final tournament: Fernando Torres (5)