Dutch Defeat Makes Del Bosque Sick

Spanish national team boss Vicente del Bosque admits feeling sick, after the defending champions were humiliated 5-1 in the replay of the 2010 World Cup final by a superior Netherlands on day two of the ongoing tournament.

Robin van Persie’s sublime flying header helped the ‘Oranje’ come from behind to embarrass Spain, after Xabi Alonso’s penalty had placed the European champions ahead.

Bayern Munich winger Arjen Robben and Feyenoord defender De Vrij made it 3-1.

Del Bosque Pictured After Spain's 5-1 Loss to Holland.
Del Bosque Pictured After Spain’s 5-1 Loss to Holland.

Van Persie and Robben then scored two goals in the space of eight minutes to complete a misserable night for Del Bosque’s side.

“I feel sick, ill at ease, but with the courage a defeat must not sink us,” Del Bosque said. “It is not a happy moment, but first of all I want to congratulate the Dutch team, who were superior to us. We have been overwhelmed in the second half.

“We are a team of good professionals and good lads, everyone hurts, so there was no accusatory glances and that’s good for the team. There will be time to talk.”

Meanwhile, the coach refuses to trade blames after the loss, with his goalkeeper’s blunder an obvious low-point of the encounter.

Iker Cassillas accepted blame for the defeat, as two of the goals came as a result of his shabby performance.

The Real Madrid first choice admits he “wasn’t at the level he needed to be” and “accepts all criticism”.

Del Bosque said: “I insist that it is not the time to blame,” Del Bosque said. “The defeats do not come through the performance of a player, but by the weakness of the team. We cannot blame anyone, least of all Iker.”

Spain lost against Switzerland in the opening group match of their title-winning campaign in South Africa and four years later in Brazil; the coach wants to see a big response from the Spaniards in their second Group B clash against Chile.

“It’s sport, we lost. It is necessary to accept defeat,” he added. “We must recognise our mistakes, but everyone fought for a better result.

“I am aware that it is a very delicate time for us. Together we have to try to solve it for the next match against Chile and look for the win.”