Kaliningrad: Spain midfielder Isco believes his side must stay true and focused 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 the chances will come.”
Spain won a historic treble of European and world titles between 2008-2012 with a brand of possession-based football, known as ‘tiki-taka’.
This is the World Cup, and not one single game is going to be easy. We can improve, and I hope we will keep on winning, but nobody is giving anything away easily
Fernando Hierro/Spain coach
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. I feel at ease but it’s easier with all the big players in the side,” he said.
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.