Real Madrid and Spain midfielder Xabi Alonso has called on his teammates in the national squad to put the defeat to Holland behind them and react against Chile on Wednesday night.
The World Cup holders were beaten 5-1 on Friday night, the first time they had conceded five goals in a match since a 6-3 defeat to Scotland back in 1963. Xabi Alonso scored Spain’s only goal on the night to put them ahead, but a blistering second half from Louis Van Gaal’s team blew them out of the water.
Speaking at a press conference on Sunday, Alonso said his international colleagues have to put their bad start behind them and focus on winning against Chile. And he warned that the South American side wouldn’t be an easy game.
Chile always raises very brave games, they are very aggressive,” said Alonso. “Chile may have similar characteristics to the Netherlands, (but) we will be able to have better control against Chile.”
And he continued: “Chile knows us well, but we also know them. We know the style of play they have.
“We want to show that we have many things to say, that despite the bad result, we can compete. We can all go home, or we can keep fighting. It is the group that has to react.”
