Kaliningrad: Spain midfielder Isco believes his side must stay true to the philosophy that brought them World Cup glory in 2010 to achieve the result they need in Monday’s Group B decider against Morocco.
After a breathless 3-3 draw with Portugal in their opening game, La Roja laboured to a 1-0 victory over Iran, and require at least a point in Kaliningrad against a Morocco side playing for pride to guarantee a last 16 berth.
“We have to be faithful to the end to the style of play that defines us,” the Real Madrid playmaker told reporters ahead of the game.
“We have to play, pass a lot, keep the ball. If we play quickly across the pitch chances will come.”
Spain won a historic treble of European and world titles between 2008-2012 with a brand of possession-based football that came to be known as “tiki-taka”.
Along with Real teammates Lucas Vazquez and Marco Asensio, Isco represents the cream of a new crop of Spanish talent looking to fill the void left in the national team after legend Xavi’s retirement.
“This is my first time in a big competition with the national side,” he said. “I feel at ease but it’s easier with all the big players in the side.”
Playing behind striker Diego Costa, Isco has delighted Spain fans this tournament with his deft touch and vision, but the team heads to Russia’s European enclave knowing the job is far from done.
While they could progress with a draw they would need to win and score more goals than Portugal in their match with Iran in order to guarantee top spot in Group B.
Coach Fernando Hierro, who only took the job two days before the tournament began after the shock dismissal of Julen Lopetegui, said his team won’t underestimate a Morocco squad that are yet to pick up a point.
“This is the World Cup, and not one single game is going to be easy,” Hierro said.
“We can improve, and I hope we will keep winning while we do so, but nobody is giving anything away easily. In certain groups teams have already qualified (for the last 16) but our group is very tough. We have no option but to secure all three points against Morocco.”
The shadow of the dramatic sacking of Lopetegui still hung over Spain though after midfielder Saul Niguez openly criticised the decision.
The common line from Spain’s players since Lopetegui was sacked was that they have accepted the move, while admitting it was far from ideal for their campaign.
But Saul, who has known Lopetegui since he was his coach in the Spain under-19 team, broke ranks in an interview with Spanish state television on Saturday, saying the players should have been given a say in the seismic decision.
“It was surprising and I think that even though there were motives and reasons behind the decision, the players had no say in it and it was not the right time,” Saul said.
KICK-OFF: 11.30 pm (IST)
