STUTTGART, Germany: Spain coach Luis de la Fuente said his side may need to get creative to stop Germany’s “brutal” Toni Kroos in Friday’s Euro 2024 quarter final in Stuttgart.
“We thought about tying Kroos feet together, but I’m not sure if UEFA will let me,” the 63-year-old coach joked in Stuttgart on Thursday.
“We know how Kroos behaves. We will try and make sure he doesn’t have the chance to receive the ball and will limit his passing options.
“We’ll appeal to UEFA to see if we can tie him down.”
Spain head into Friday’s clash as the only side at Euro 2024 who have won every game, with four wins from four.
Hosts Germany are however not far behind, having won three and drawn one on their way to the quarter final.
De la Fuente called Kroos “a world-class player, a footballer playing at a brutal level.
“He brought talent, charisma and quality into the dressing room. The confidence he transmits to the other players is contagious and has been very good for Germany.
“It’s a pity he’s leaving football because I love to watch him play.”
Germany and Spain are the equal most successful sides in Euros history, with both having won three Euros titles.
The Spanish coach however said the winner on Friday would not become the favorite to win the final in Berlin on July 14.
“No, there are other powerful teams. Nothing is free here — the closer you get to the final, the best will remain.
“We don’t see ourselves as favorites, we see ourselves as a strong team who want to fight for everything and fight until the end.”
Germany captain Ilkay Gundogan said a passionate home crowd in Stuttgart “could be the difference” between the two form sides at the competition, but de la Fuente said it could work to Spain’s advantage.
“At this level, home-field advantage doesn’t have much influence. My players are professionals and will not be intimidated by the hostile environment.
“Sometimes, that factor goes against the home team.”
Spain captain Dani Carvajal, who has played alongside Kroos at Real for a decade, said he “hadn’t spoken to him — I’ll wait until tomorrow.
“As the manager said, I hope we can tie him down. It’ll be a very special match for him.”
‘Tie his shoes together’: Spain wary of ‘brutal’ Kroos
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‘Tie his shoes together’: Spain wary of ‘brutal’ Kroos
- “We thought about tying Kroos feet together, but I’m not sure if UEFA will let me,” the 63-year-old coach joked in Stuttgart on Thursday
- “We will try and make sure he doesn’t have the chance to receive the ball and will limit his passing options”
Raphinha double helps Barcelona overcome resilient Osasuna
- Flick’s men now sit on 43 points, comfortably clear of second-placed Real Madrid
- Barcelona struggled to break down Osasuna’s deep defensive block
BARCELONA: Raphinha struck twice late in the second half as Barcelona secured a hard-fought 2-0 victory over a resolute Osasuna side on Saturday, extending their lead at the top of the LaLiga standings to seven points.
Hansi Flick’s men now sit on 43 points, comfortably clear of second-placed Real Madrid, who have a game in hand and are set to play at Alaves on Sunday.
Despite their control of the game, Barcelona struggled to break down Osasuna’s deep defensive block until the 70th minute when Pedri’s incisive pass cut through the visitors’ defense, finding Raphinha in his stride.
The Brazilian forward took a controlled touch before unleashing a thunderous strike from the edge of the area, the ball arrowing inside the left post to finally break the deadlock.
Raphinha sealed the win in the 86th minute. A deflected cross from Jules Kounde on the right found the Brazilian unmarked at the far post, and he calmly volleyed the ball into an empty net, giving the scoreline a more comfortable look.
