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Spain lost to Japan on purpose to avoid meeting favorites Brazil in the World Cup quarter-finals, Real Madrid and Mexico legend Hugo Sanchez has claimed… slamming Germany after their shock defeat
Spain deliberately lost to Japan to avoid Brazil in the quarter-finals, Mexico World Cup legend Hugo Sanchez has suggested.
The former Real Madrid forward, who played three World Cups for Mexico, was asked by the ESPN presenter: ‘You assure me that Spain looked for this result to avoid Brazil?’
And as reported by Diario AS the former striker said: ‘I assure you. I wasn’t there and I’m not in Luis Enrique’s mind but he thought what was the best way to avoid playing against Brazil in the quarter-finals. Yes there is a risk but it is a risk worth taking. It’s not that they fear Brazil but they respect them.’
Hugo Sanchez believes Spain lost to Japan on purpose to avoid Brazil playing in the last eight
Japan’s controversial second goal meant Spain were second to seal all three points
When fellow pundits raised eyebrows at the suggestion, Sanchez added: ‘The coach would never accept. Managers don’t say: “I let them win”.’
The claim is not being taken seriously in Spain, especially given the team’s controversial back-to-back against Japan and their desperate – albeit unsuccessful – attempts to get back into the game.
Luis Enrique was asked before the game whether Spain would lose to Japan in second place but ruled out a Costa Rica win, saying: ‘We asked ourselves that question but from a professional point of view you can imagine it’s 0-0. 95 minutes in both games and Japan scored and Costa Rica scored and we were out.’
Luis Enrique’s side now face Morocco in the last 16 and are against a draw against five-time World Cup winners Brazil.
Brazil are seen as favorites to win the World Cup for the sixth time in Qatar
That was briefly the scene in the second half, although the Spain coach said he was unaware of the three minutes when the results meant Spain finished third in the group and going home.
On Friday he posted on Instagram: ‘Close shave or death? Well it was just a close shave. We’re in the last 16!!!! Variable!!!’
The last 16 for Spain now means a game against Morocco while they may have to change their coach’s all-red kit in favor so far as they are the ‘away’ side.
They are likely to meet Portugal in the quarter-finals if they progress, thus avoiding a possible meeting with Brazil – a game which conspiracy theorists doubt will be defeated by Japan.
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