MX23RW : Sunday, April 28 06:22:39| >> :600:2737166:2737166:

Gerard Pique: 'Spain's defence is key'

Spain centre-back Gerard Pique suggests that La Roja's chances of Euro 2016 success will depend on their defensive strength.

Spain centre-back Gerard Pique has suggested that his country's chances of success at Euro 2016 will largely depend on their defensive performance in the knockout rounds.

La Roja have already booked their spot in the round of 16 in France, but will look to secure top spot in Group D when they take on second-placed Croatia on Tuesday night.

The reigning champions are yet to concede in this summer's competition and Barcelona defender Pique has paid tribute to the strength of Spain at the back.

"It's obvious we are a very attacking team but we also have a very organised structure behind, with players such as [Sergio] Ramos and [Sergio] Busquets, as well as the goalkeepers," Pique told reporters.

"Before we had Iker [Casillas] and now it seems to be [David] De Gea. They are basic pillars for us to maintain the defensive level we have shown in the last few championships, with the exception of the 2014 World Cup."

Spain will enter the Croatia match off the back of a 3-0 win over Turkey on Friday night.

ID:275256: cacheID:275256:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:2059:
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Gerard Pique celebrates scoring during the Euro 2016 Group D game between Spain and Czech Republic on June 13, 2016
Read Next:
Gerard Pique defends Pedro outburst
>
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Arsenal34245582265677
2Manchester CityMan City33237380324876
3Liverpool35229477364175
4Aston Villa35207873522167
5Tottenham HotspurSpurs32186865491660
6Manchester UnitedMan Utd34166125251154
7Newcastle UnitedNewcastle341651374551953
8West Ham UnitedWest Ham351310125665-949
9Chelsea33139116359448
10Wolverhampton WanderersWolves35137154855-746
11Bournemouth34129134960-1145
12Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton331111115254-244
13Fulham35127165155-443
14Crystal Palace351010154557-1240
15Everton35128153748-1136
16Brentford3598185260-835
17Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest3479184260-1826
18Luton TownLuton3567224877-2925
19Burnley3559213870-3224
20Sheffield UnitedSheff Utd3537253497-6316


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!