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Spain national football team
World Cup | Qualifiers
Oct 16, 2012 at 8pm UK
 
France national football team

1-1

Spain defender Jordi Alba surprised by French resolve to claim a 1-1 draw

Jordi Alba surprised by French resolve
© PA Photos
Spain defender Jordi Alba admits that his team could not match the desire of their French opponents after conceding a late equaliser in a high-profile World Cup qualifier on Tuesday night.

Jordi Alba has admitted that Spain were overpowered by a determined France in the closing stages of their World Cup qualifier.

Spain led in Madrid for more than an hour thanks to an opening goal from Sergio Ramos but were pegged back by an injury-time equaliser from Olivier Giroud.

Barcelona full-back Alba told reporters that Spain could not match the work-rate of their French opponents at the most crucial point of the game.

Alba said: "During the second period France were very strong, although I do not know whether it was down to fatigue.

"We controlled the first half, we missed and penalty and that was all very expensive.

"But nothing has been decided, there are more rivals we can make things difficult for."

Spain and France remain level at the top of Group A in the quest to secure a World Cup place, three points clear of nearest challengers Georgia.

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8pm
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Tables header RHS

Group A

TeamPWDLPTS
Q Germany Germany32107
Q Switzerland Switzerland31205
3 Hungary Hungary31023
4 Scotland flag Scotland30121

Group B

TeamPWDLPTS
Q Spain Spain33009
Q Italy Italy31114
3 Croatia Croatia30212
4 Albania national flag Albania30121

Group C

TeamPWDLPTS
Q England flag England31205
Q Denmark Denmark30303
Q Slovenia Slovenia30303
4 Serbia Serbia30212

Group D

TeamPWDLPTS
Q Austria Austria32016
Q France France31205
Q Netherlands Netherlands31114
4 Poland Poland30121

Group E

TeamPWDLPTS
Q Romania Romania31114
Q Belgium Belgium31114
Q Slovakia Slovakia31114
4 Ukraine Ukraine31114

Group F

TeamPWDLPTS
Q Portugal Portugal32016
Q Turkey Turkey32016
Q Georgia Georgia31114
4 Czech Republic Czech Republic30121


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