Luis Enrique believes Spain ‘were up to task’ in their Nations League group, but ‘bad luck and some mistakes’ ultimately cost them a place in the Final Four.
“We started the match well, quickly posing danger out wide and through the middle,” said the Coach after La Roja’s 1-0 win against Bosnia-Herzegovina on Sunday.
“The team then got into a complicated dynamic, Bosnia moved a bit further afield, but at no point did I see us in danger of losing the game.
“In the second half, we improved with our substitutes and we tried to knock down the wall put up by our opponents.
“It’s always difficult against a team who sit back. Brais was very good. Not everyone scores on their debut.
“He and Fornals did very well. It’s very nice for a Coach to see that there’s a bright future. I saw the centre-backs in a very good way, so that’s more great news.
“The players who came in played like they did for their respective teams. They played great against one of Europe’s best strikers in Dzeko. I’m happy with them.
“Isco wearing the captain’s armband was anecdotal. It was for the player with the most caps and I think Isco has been pushing the cart for many years, also for his club.
“He has talent and potential. He’s been an important player and he has a praiseworthy attitude.
“I can draw positives from looking at the group we were in, which was one of the most difficult.
“We all expected to go through after our first two games, but that’s football. I didn’t expect my team to be here after six games, but I’m happy with their attitude.
“I wish Croatia and England had drawn, but now I’m focused on qualifying for the Euros and I think the national team look good.
“England-Croatia was very well-contested. England took advantage of set-pieces to win the game.
“Bad luck and some mistakes saw us fail to make the Final Four, but the group was very complicated and the national team were up to task.”
