World Cup 2010: Xabi Alonso says Spain team ‘believe in each other’
Their rhythm had been laboured at times, the intricate passing sequences which once zipped gracefully from one end of the field to the other stalling too often in construction, but Spain have rediscovered their pizzazz at precisely the right time. Cobwebs Authentic Prada Handbags Online were blown away against Germany. «It was the performance we needed,» said Xabi Alonso. Holland beware; La Furia Roja have found their feet.
Spanish progress through the knockout phase has been smoothed by a sequence of narrow wins but, for prolonged periods in the Biggest Prada Store London Moses Mabhida Stadium last night, they threatened a full-scale return to their scintillating best. This side lack the bite, pace and movement of an in-form Fernando Torres at the tip, a gliding outlet for Authentic Prada Fairy Bag Sale all attacks, but their invention remains.
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They purred at times in Durban, even if their winning goal was more back-to-basics than beautiful. The usual suspects, Xavi and Andrés Iniesta, worked their wizardry with David Villa a willing runner and Pedro Rodríguez excelling on the right. Sergio Busquets, working in conjunction with Alonso, is efficiently impressive shielding the back line. Torres and the likes of Cesc Fábregas and David Silva may have to put up with bit-part roles as their team-mates seek to Authentic Prada Bag For Sale Philippines dazzle in Soccer City.
Vicente del Bosque’s side have had to cope with raised expectations in South Africa, though the early stutter against Switzerland in the opening group game has been overcome and momentum steadily generated. «We have been coping with the pressure quite well because we knew people expected so much of us,» said Alonso. «The role of favourites doesn’t help you at all. You have to justify it and show why people rate you on the pitch, but we’ve been playing well. We play like we play – we have our style, and we needed that in a semi-final.
«Can we play better? It’s more important just to win the games. We’re playing well and are giving so much to each other: we keep the ball so well, Authentic Prada Bags For Cheap believe in each other, and always have options both in attack and defence. We have the same ideas, and we know Best Prada Outlet In Florence what each other – Xavi, Iniestia – wants to do, finding the spaces to cause danger. We have been playing like this for the last three years, so it is instinct now.
«But we also know that, if we’re not at 100%, we can suffer against any side. So the key to our success is that willingness to Authentic Prada Bags Outlet Online work. But, for me personally, it is just a privilege to be among this group of players. There is so much quality here. We have enjoyed what we’ve achieved so far, but now we want to do something massive for the whole country.»
History had already been made with a semi-final appearance. The opportunity to end Spain’s long wait to claim the World Cup itself cannot be passed up. «It is a huge moment for the whole country,» said José Reina. «We are one step away from achieving what everyone wants. Sure, we’ve already done what no other team in Authentic Prada Outlet Uk Spanish history has managed, so from this situation Authentic Prada Outlet Online Usa we can only win. We can be proud of what we have achieved regardless of what happens on Sunday, but we are desperate to win.
«We must stick to our principles. The passing philosophy we have brought us this far prada online, to the final. We have to be loyal to that. We know each other by memory now, and we’re content to be patient. Games are tight in a World Cup, so you have to keep working to find the space. We did it in the end against Germany. The Dutch have similarities with the Germans and have really good, skilful players. We will have respect, but confidence in our own ability to find a way through.»
The Dutch may attempt to impose themselves more on the contest than Germany – a side better adapted to striking on the break, as they did to devastating effect against England and Argentina – but Spain’s confidence will not be deflected. «The Germans were scared of giving us space and Authentic Prada Handbags Outlet Online we hadn’t expected them to be so defensively minded,» added Iniesta. «They allowed us to have the ball.
«But, even so, we played the complete game. The teamwork was fantastic. We are in our first World Cup final and we will give everything we have left to fulfil the dream. We don’t care who the opponents are. This is our chance.»
