Del Bosque irked by 'risky' Spain

Published: Wednesday, 17. October, 2012 in category General
Silva: Frustrated on Tuesday

Les Bleus bounced back from Friday's shock friendly defeat to Japan with a dramatic point thanks to late substitute Olivier Giroud's stoppage-time goal in Madrid.

Spain had taken a first-half lead through defender Sergio Ramos but then saw Hugo Lloris save Cesc Fabregas' penalty to keep France in the game.

Del Bosque told Spanish sport daily AS: "We took too many risks with the 1-0 lead. They tightened up in the second half and we opened up too.

"We controlled the game well. We had the penalty and Pedro's chance, then the game opened up and went from end to end and that cost us."

Del Bosque was unwilling to dwell on Fabregas' miss, saying: "More than once I have said that I do not lose any time in establishing the order of penalty-takers.

"We have plenty of people to take them. They are all reliable but anyone can miss."

Georgia trail Group I's leading pair by just three points, with Belarus only a further point back after last night's win over the third-placed side. Both, though, have played a game more than France and Spain, who meet again in Paris in March.

Del Bosque said: "It looks like March will be important. We cannot rely on others' results. Any of Finland, Georgia and Belarus have the chance to reach the top two."