Del Bosque: Spain can't wait to return to Ukraine

 

The coach, who insists la Roja will not underestimate any Euro 2016 opponent, are looking forward to returning to where they triumphed in the tournament two years ago

Vicente del Bosque says he cannot wait for Spain to return to Ukraine, where they were crowned European champions two years ago, in Euro 2016 qualification.

Winners of the last two European Championships, la Roja will be expected to make light work of a qualifying group featuring Ukraine, Slovakia, Belarus, Macedonia and Luxembourg.

However, Del Bosque does not anticipate the other teams making life straightforward for his side and, speaking after Sunday's draw in Nice, the 63-year-old insisted the World Cup holders will not underestimate anyone.

"It's not as easy a group as it might appear to some," he told reporters.

"We are facing emerging teams who are young and strong. The cold conditions could play a role in the group because many of the trips will be to teams from the east. The journeys will be long and our rivals will make things uncomfortable.

"Ukraine may be the most dangerous of our opponents. We will go game by game and not underestimate any of our opponents.

"Here's hoping that when we play away against Ukraine, it will be a like party again, just as it was when we won the title in Kiev in 2012. They are unforgettable memories."

The top two in the group stage reach the finals in France automatically with eight of the nine third-placed teams playing off for four spots in the finals, while the best of the nine gets a spot in the 24-team finals given to them too.