We're not getting worse, insists Spain coach after first qualifier defeat in eight years
Defeat to Slovakia was Spain’s first loss in 36 qualifiers for the European Championship and the World Cup dating to 2006, and ended a run of 14 straight away wins
Coach Vicente del Bosque denied Spain were caught in a downward spiral after the holders slumped to a shock 2-1 defeat in Slovakia in Euro 2016 Group C qualifying on Thursday.
Del Bosque decided to stay on after his team were knocked out in the first round of the World Cup in Brazil in June and, although he has brought in a number of new faces, it was a familiar story at the MSK stadium in Zilina.
Spain dominated possession but conceded when goalkeeper Iker Casillas was deceived by Juraj Kucka’s swerving free kick in the 17th minute and again three minutes from time when substitute Miroslav Stoch finished off a fine counter attack.
Paco Alcacer had levelled for the visitors in the 82nd minute on one of the few occasions Spain managed to create a real scoring chance and they were also denied by several superb saves from Slovakia keeper Matus Kozacik.
It was Spain’s first defeat in a qualifier for the European Championship or World Cup since they were beaten by Sweden in October 2006.