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He led Spain to the 2010 World Cup title in South Africa and to the 2012 European Championship triumph in Poland and Ukraine. Since then, Vicente del Bosque (73) has been a national hero in his homeland. In an interview, he leaves no doubt that Spain will advance to the quarter-finals against Germany.
Ask: Señor del Bosque, what makes you sure that Spain will win against Germany?
Vicente del Bosque: Spain played very well in qualifying, so their good performances are not surprising. We are the top favorites, I have no doubt that we will win. Everything is just right in attack and defense. There is also no team that plays better on the outside.
Ask: How do you see Germany?
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Forest: I don’t want to be disrespectful, and we also have to remain modest. But: I think Spain is generally better in many respects, even if Germany is strong in attack – especially with Musiala. The German team has the advantage of playing at home. That can have a very positive influence. But if you look at what both countries have shown in football so far, Spain is the better team. The difference is: Spain plays faster – and with a higher rhythm than Germany. I am absolutely convinced that we will advance.
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Ask: Is the game against Germany an anticipated final?
Forest: Yes, definitely, they are two of the best teams in the tournament.
Ask: To what extent has Spain’s style of playing changed compared to the earlier Tiki-Taka?
Forest: Basically, a coach can’t do magic. In every game you can see that Luis de la Fuente adapts to the players he has at his disposal. He lets the team play more directly, a lot on the outside. That makes the team incredibly good.
Vicente del Bosque is sure that the Germany complex has been put aside
Source: pa/ZUMAPRESS.com/Lorenzo Carnero
Ask: Lamine Yamal, just 16, and Nico Williams, Spain’s magic winger, 21, are outstanding. Are you surprised that they are both doing so well?
Forest: Not at all. Firstly, both players are in top form. Secondly, they have had a good season for their clubs. Thirdly, the coach knows exactly how to use both of them.
Ask: Many experts, such as Sir Alex Ferguson, believe that Yamal can have a career similar to that of Cristiano Ronaldo. Do you agree?
Forest: Cristiano Ronaldo is still a fantastic player – despite his age. That’s the first thing to say. The way they play is a little different. But I think Yamal can have a world-class career if he can process everything he’s experienced at such a young age and stay grounded and mentally strong at the same time.
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Ask: Lamine Yamal or Jamal Musiala – who is better?
Forest: Both players are great talents and very important for their national teams. Lamine Yamal has a big advantage: Spain’s midfield with Fabián, Rodri and Pedri puts him in the spotlight more than the German midfield with Musiala – even though he has already scored three goals in the tournament.
Ask: Aren’t you afraid of Germany at all?
Forest: When I was a player, we already had a Germany complex. But that has been reduced over the past two decades. Spain has caught up, especially with the European Championship and World Cup titles in 2008, 2010 and 2012.
Del Bosque watches the ball fly into the goal to make it 0-2. Madrid lost the semi-final second leg (first leg: 1-1) of the European Cup against FC Bayern in Munich in April 1976
Source: pa/dpa
Ask: National coach Julian Nagelsmann brought Toni Kroos back as a leading player in March. How do you rate his performance?
Forest: Toni Kroos doesn’t play at the same high level for Germany as he did in Madrid. But we mustn’t forget the fantastic players he played with at Real.
Ask: How do you rate Nagelsmann?
Forest: I don’t know him personally, but when such a young coach is in charge of the national team, that says a lot. I’m sure we’ll be hearing a lot more from him.
Ask: What would winning the European Championship mean for Spain?
Forest: That would be great for Spanish football as a whole. And we must not forget that Spain would then overtake Germany by winning four European Championship titles and would be the sole record holder. I hope it will be the start of a new era and our fans will be happy.
The article was researched for the Sports Competence Center (WELT, SPORT BILD, BILD) and first published in SPORT BILD.
