Spain's right-back Juanfran admits 'Italy were better than us' but thinks 'it would've been fairer if we drew and went into extra time'.
There was a general sense of acceptance amid la Roja's players after they lost 2-0 to the Azzurri, with the likes of Coach Vicente Del Bosque and Andres Iniesta admitting they had been outplayed.
Spain's right-back Juanfran admits 'Italy were better than us' but thinks 'it would've been fairer if we drew and went into extra time'.
There was a general sense of acceptance amid la Roja's players after they lost 2-0 to the Azzurri, with the likes of Coach Vicente Del Bosque and Andres Iniesta admitting they had been outplayed.
“We’re frustrated by our elimination,” Juanfran admitted. “There was a big commitment in the dressing room and we didn’t expect to be knocked out. It’s a sad moment in the dressing room and difficult times for us.
“They were better than us in the first half. In the second half we improved. They took advantage of what they had in the first half, while we didn’t. It would’ve been fairer if we drew and went into extra time.
“[Goalkeeper David] De Gea made many saves, but if we took some of the chances we had then everything would’ve changed.”
Italy's first goal came on a double rebound, as Giorgio Chiellini hammered it home after Eder and Manuele Giaccherini had both tried their luck.
“We weren’t good enough with our marking. It was a ball that stayed in the box and we failed to clear it.
“Italy have a peculiar way of playing and always counter teams, so they always caused us problems. They knew how to play against us in the first half.
“Del Bosque? It’s a decision which he will have to make with the federation. I can only say good things about him as our Coach, so we’ll support whatever he does and it’ll be fine.”