Spain coach, Vicente del Bosque has revealed that his players have come to terms with their defeat by the Netherlands in their opening FIFA World Cup game and are ready to bounce back against Chile. The 5-1 thumping the reigning world and European champions received at the hands of the Dutch, who they defeated in the last FIFA World Cup Final, was the shock of the tournament so far. Del Bosque said after the game that the result was “unexplainable” while midfielder Xavi Hernandez said it was the worst defeat of his entire career. However, the La Roja coach has explained that time has been a healer for his side, who are now desperate to compensate for the loss by beating Chile and then Australia in their remaining Group B matches. “Everyone feels that we are capable of turning things around,” the coach told Spanish television channel Cuatro. “Many hours have passed and our spirits are higher. We now have to win our next two games, which won’t be easy, but is within the realms of possibility. We are searching for the best possible preparation and we are trying to make sure the players are not sad, we have to enjoy ourselves.” Del Bosque also insisted he did not see the result against the Netherlands coming, explaining that the team had prepared well for the tournament and made a positive start to the game. “We’ve been training well ever since we arrived. Everything has been perfect, and the first half against Holland went well. What was worrying was the second half. But now the players are optimistic again.” (fifa.com) Oxlade-Chamberlain steps up rehab Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain trained alongside his England team-mates on Monday, although the heavy strapping on his knee suggested a return for the do-or-die FIFA World Cup™ clash with Uruguay is far from certain. The 20-year-old midfielder missed the Three Lions’ 2-1 defeat to Italy in Manaus on Saturday through injury. Oxlade-Chamberlain strained a medial ligament in his right knee during England’s 2-2 friendly draw against Ecuador on 4 June, but his rehabilitation from the problem sustained in Miami is going well. Having began sprinting again last week, the Arsenal man joined in with his team-mates on Monday at England’s Urca military base. Oxlade-Chamberlain was the last player out on the field in the Rio de Janeiro sunshine and was quickly involved in ball work, albeit a simple dribbling drill. His right knee was heavily-strapped and, after 10 minutes of the part-open session, went off to do individual work with physio Steve Kemp. Oxlade-Chamberlain did some passing drills with him, showing no discomfort; an encouraging sign but one which does not necessarily mean Roy Hodgson will have a full complement of players to choose from against Uruguay. While his side impressed many with their performance against Italy, defeat in Sao Paulo would all-but end hopes of progressing to the knock-out stages. Uruguay are in the same position after suffering a shock 3-1 defeat in their opener to Costa Rica. (fifa.com
Bosque remains optimistic despite Netherlands’ 5-1 defeat
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