Del Bosque: Spain should aim for Euro 2012 standard
The veteran coach says la Roja must recapture their form from three years ago when they face Ukraine in Kyiv.
Vicente del Bosque wants Spain to recapture the form it showed in the Euro 2012 final on the club’s return to Ukraine on Monday.
An emphatic 4-0 win over Italy in the showpiece in Kyiv three years ago saw Spain become the first side to win back-to-back European Championships, which came either side of a World Cup triumph following a victory over Netherlands in South Africa in 2010.
As he prepares to take his side back to the scene of its triumph in Ukraine – 16 months after a World Cup 2014 group stage exit – Del Bosque admits it remains the finest performance he has seen from his side in his seven-year spell in the role.
“The final in Kyiv in 2012 was the best game in my time as head coach. I hope we can reach that standard again,” he told reporters. “We come here at an ideal time. We’ll play with complete courage and interest in the game. Ukraine are looking to qualify but, as sportsmen, we have to try to stop them.”
Spain is already assured qualification for Euro 2016, while Ukraine needs to better Slovakia’s result against Luxembourg if it is to progress automatically, and Del Bosque wants to see his players seize their chance to impress.
“We come to Kyiv having qualified but that doesn’t mean we’re not motivated for tomorrow,” said the 64-year-old. “I’ve decided the starting XI and there will be changes from Logrono. I think it’s the best that we can do.
“Paco Alcacer will start. He’s on a good run of form and we need to take advantage of that. Nolito opens up the space and gives us good depth. He’s able to help us unlock tight defenses. Ukraine are a strong team. They have good width.”