Santi Cazorla dismisses Xabi Alonso claims about Spain's lack of hunger at World Cup

Santi Cazorla

Arsenal’s Santi Cazorla has dismissed teammate Xabi Alonso’s suggestion that Spain were knocked out of the World Cup after only two games because of a lack of desire from the squad, reports London 24.

Cazorla also gave his support to Spain coach Vicente del Bosque. He insisted that the Spanish national team had a bright future ahead and would come back from their shock exit stronger, despite being eliminated from the tournament that they won four years ago so quickly.

Having made his remarks after Spain’s surprise 2-0 defeat to Chile at the Maracana, Alonso’s outspoken comments were also rejected by Andres Iniesta and Diego Costa.

Cazorla, speaking during a press conference at Spain’s training camp in Curitiba, defended the team’s attitude.

The Arsenal midfielder said: “I don’t think there was a lack of hunger or ambition, not at all.

“Chile and Holland overcame us, and that can happen in football.

“It’s very difficult to achieve what this group have achieved, but a new generation full of strength and hope is coming through, and why can’t we dream of doing that?

“I’m just one more player that’s going to fight for his national team and for his country.

“We have to finish (the World Cup) as best as we can and look to the future with hope.”

Atletico Madrid midfielder and Chelsea target Koke also said similar things, suggesting a series of errors had been the problem for Spain rather than the team’s attitude. He also vowed that they would beat Australia in the final Group B game.