Aragones hails Spain spirit
15 Jun 2008 - 08:06:04
Spain coach Luis Aragones felt that his side were well worth their 2-1 victory over Sweden, even if they had to wait until deep into stoppage time to grab the winner.
David Villa netted in the third minute of time added-on to send Spain through to the quarter-finals, with Aragones admitting that his side had been pushed all the way by Sweden.
He told UEFA's official website: "I think we were the better side, particularly in the second half. You could see Sweden were really very tired and we had chances.
"The team played better when we managed to get the ball. I have lots of respect for Sweden, they're a good team who play long balls, but they play them well.
"Sweden made us work very hard, but we had more of the ball and managed to create a couple of good chances.
"My celebration isn't very usual for me, but I looked at the bench and it's important for a coach to see how people react to a goal there.
"I'm not a man who celebrates, so it was unusual for me, but the goal was so late.
"The beautiful thing was the way the players in the team went to those on the bench to celebrate together."