Del Bosque rues ´unthinkable´ goal

Vicente del Bosque has rued Spain’s inability to close out matters after their 1-1 draw with Finland in their World Cup qualifier on Friday.

Sergio Ramos’ header appeared to have given the world champions three points in the Real Madrid defender’s 100th international appearance, but the hosts struggled to create many more chances despite completely monopolising possession.

And with 11 minutes to go, Finland made them pay as Teemu Pukki tapped home a delightful left-footed cross from Alexander Ring to gain an unlikely point for the Nordic nation.

And Spain’s failure to turn their dominance into more goals was not lost on their coach, who told reporters: “It seems impossible that we drew after dictating both halves of the game. We were organised, but everything went out of control in the end.

“We could have been more successful in front of goal, but we lacked the ability to add a second goal. Finland locked up their defence well, and made the unthinkable happen.”

Del Bosque is already casting his eyes to Tuesday’s crucial Group I encounter with France, whose 3-1 victory over Georgia has seen them take a two-point lead at the top of the standings.

“There are still four games to play, and four days to prepare (for France). We still have a long way to go,” he said.