Spain’s next match against Chile is a matter of “life or death” for the holders’ World Cup chances, midfielder Cesc Fabregas said Sunday.
Fellow midfielder Xabi Alonso believes it was the world champions’ concentration rather than fatigue that betrayed them as they were hammered 5-1 by the Netherlands in their opening game.
Vicente del Bosque’s men now almost certainly need to win their remaining two matches against Chile and Australia to avoid the humiliation of joining France and Italy as World Cup holders that crashed out at the group stage.
“In football every three or four days there is a game and the chance to put things right,” said Fabregas.
“This team has character and courage. It is one of the most difficult moments in the past few years, but I believe a lot in this team.”
“We know what we are playing for. It is not a unique thing in football, there are times when given the necessity to score goals or the way the opponent plays you are obliged to attack and be brave,” he said.
“We have players of very high quality and I don’t know why we can’t give a masterclass of football.
