Manager Del Bosque downplays defending champions’ shock 0-1 defeat to Georgia in last warm-up match ahead of Euro competition
Madrid: European champions Spain suffered a shock first defeat since March 2015 losing 1-0 at home to Georgia in their final warm-up friendly before Euro 2016 in Madrid on Tuesday.
Georgian players celebrate a goal during their international friendly in Getafe, Spain on Tuesday. Pic/AFP
Georgia, ranked 137 in the world, hadn't won a game since defeating Gibraltar in Euro qualifying in October. However, they defended resolutely and took full advantage of their one real attack when Tornike Okriashvili tapped home at the far post six minutes before half time.
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Spain begin their quest for a third consecutive European Championship against the Czech Republic on June 13 in Toulouse. "We have to accept it and lift ourselves for what is to come," said Spain boss Vicente del Bosque. "This result shouldn't make us in any way face the Euros with a sense of fear."
Vicente del Bosque
Del Bosque had named a stronger side than in Spain's comfortable wins over Bosnia and Herzegovina and South
"We wanted to build on our confidence and create a good atmosphere, but it wasn't to be and it has been a disappointment. We didn't play terribly badly because they scored a goal on the counter-attack."
However, Del Bosque rejected suggestions that their Group D opponents can learn from Georgia's gameplan. "I would like us to always play in the opposition's half," he said. "Hopefully in our three (group) games it will be like this."
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