Spain remain the favourites to win Euro 2012 with Vicente del Bosque at the helm, according to Real Madrid legend Amancio Amaro.
The
61-year-old tactician has been questioned over his decision to exclude
the likes of Fernando Torres and Fernando Llorente from his starting
line-up in favour of an extra midfielder, but Amaro insists the
decisions are all part of a bigger plan.
“Spain are a very strong
team who remain favourites for the title. It may not be easy, but we
have a team complete in every department,” Amaro told Goal.com.
“Naturally,
every supporter is entitled to his own opinion on the line-up employed,
but del Bosque said it clearly, the inclusion of an extra midfielder is
to retain possession of the ball for as long as possible.
“Del
Bosque is very mature, and knows that criticism when things don’t go our
way is as normal as praise when circumstances do favour us. It’s only
natural our opponents create chances. For now, we should be happy for
qualification to the quarter-finals.”
Amaro was left with no doubt
when naming who he thought was fundamental to Spain, and reserved
special praise for Real Madrid duo Iker Casillas and Sergio Ramos.
“I
would always consider Casillas, Ramos, (Andres) Iniesta, (Sergio)
Busquets, Xavi and (Xabi) Alonso essential in my team,” he said.
“Casillas
is captain based on merit, and proved his worth when saving from Ivan
Rakitic (in Spain’s 1-0 win over Croatia). Ramos was born to exceed 100
international caps and win many trophies in his career. His many virtues
make him an undisputed player for Spain and Real Madrid.”
Spain,
the reigning European champions, will continue their defence of the
trophy when they take on France in the quarter-finals.
