What We're Reading
Tabarez Relieved in Narrow Loss to Spain
- Football Espana, Monday, June 17, 2013 2:18 PM
Uruguay coach Oscar Tabarez admitted that things could have been a lot worse for his team after Spain defeated Uruguay, 2-1, in its opening FIFA Confederations Cup encounter on Sunday. After falling behind to first-half goals from Pedro and Roberto Soldado, Spain looked to be cruising toward victory, enjoying 77 percent of possession. That trend continued in the second half, with Luis Suarez scoring a consolation goal from a free kick two minutes from time.
“I am relieved it was 2-1 and not a much heavier scoreline,” Tabarez told reporters afterwards. “Taking into account the development of the game, it could have been a catastrophic result. Spain was highly superior in play at all times and deserved their victory. They imposed their conditions and we did not do what was necessary in terms of ball recovery.”
Tabarez defended the result: “If Spain thrashed Italy and Germany, why should they not beat Uruguay? They are a team that imposes their conditions and are playing in a tournament that they have unfinished business with.” He added: “The next match, against Nigeria, is the most important of all, if we win then I think we have a chance of being in the semifinals.”
