Del Bosque: Spanish players wanted to play Belgium friendly
Posted November 17, 2015 6:00 am
MADRID (AP) - Spain coach Vicente Del Bosque says his players were keen to play the friendly against Belgium and were disappointed with its cancellation because of security concerns.
Belgium called off Tuesday's game after the local government raised the security threat level amid an investigation related to last week's Paris attacks.
Del Bosque said the players were "calm and wanted to play," but understood the reasons for the cancellation. He said nobody involved in the match liked it, but nothing could be done because "it was a matter of security."
There were high expectations for the friendly, which featured FIFA's top-ranked team - Belgium - and two-time defending European champion, Spain.
Spain's national soccer team coach Vincente Del Bosque watches his players during a training session at the King Baudouin stadium in Brussels on Monday, Nov. 16, 2015, ahead of their friendly match against Belgium on Tuesday. (AP Photo/Geert Vanden Wijngaert)
The Associated Press
Belgium's national soccer team players Radja Nainggolan, center, looks at Eden Hazard as he kicks the ball during a training session at the King Baudouin stadium in Brussels on Monday, Nov. 16, 2015. On Tuesday, Belgium and Spain play a friendly match in Brussels. (AP Photo/Geert Vanden Wijngaert)
The Associated Press
Belgium's national soccer team player Kevin De Bruyne runs with the ball during a training session at the King Baudouin stadium in Brussels on Monday, Nov. 16, 2015. On Tuesday, Belgium and Spain play a friendly match in Brussels. (AP Photo/Geert Vanden Wijngaert)
The Associated Press
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