Sergio Busquets refuted claims that Spain was happy to avoid playing Brazil in a potential World Cup quarterfinal after La Roja came through a major scare to advance from Group E.
Alvaro Morata handed Spain an early lead against Japan at the Khalifa International Stadium on Thursday, putting them on track to win the group. However, Ao Tanaka responded to Ritsu Doan’s equalizer within 142 seconds to propel the Samurai Blue to the top spot.
As Germany defeated Costa Rica 4-2 in the group’s second match, Spain’s loss allowed them to advance on goal differential. La Roja was briefly on the verge of an astonishing group-stage elimination when Los Ticos lead Hansi Flick’s squad with 20 minutes remaining.
However, Busquets was dismissive when asked if that represented a positive outcome, saying: “It has nothing to do with it.
“We wanted to win and be first. We go to the other side of the bracket, but that does not guarantee that it will be easier or more difficult.
“We didn’t want this to happen, our intention was to win. To continue, we have the round of 16 against Morocco, which is going to be a very difficult match.
Spain made it through, but they didn’t win their group…#FIFAWorldCup | #Qatar2022 pic.twitter.com/bkV6kmJzaR
— Opta Analyst (@OptaAnalyst) December 1, 2022
“We were not comfortable. They closed the pass between the lines very well and it was very difficult for us to connect and create danger.
“We knew it was going to be like that, it’s a shame about the goals. We have to continue, try to correct the mistakes, and go through the knockouts.”
Spain dropped to third place when Manuel Neuer’s own goal put Costa Rica 2-1 up against Germany at Al Bayt Stadium, before the four-time winners levelled the scores through Kai Havertz three minutes later.
Busquets’ midfield partner Pedri revealed Spain were made aware of their perilous situation during that brief period, as he emphasised the need to improve against Morocco.