STUTTGART - Former Germany goalkeeper Jens Lehmann said Spain are "too small and very inexperienced" but former La Roja coach Vicente del Bosque was in "no doubt" that his national side will win as things heat up ahead of the pick of the Euro 2024 quarterfinals.
Spain have been the most impressive team at the tournament, with hosts Germany also a contender for that crown, setting up a tantalising last-eight clash at the Stuttgart Arena on July 5.
They are also the most successful sides in European Championship history, with three titles apiece.
Lehmann called La Roja - whose stars include wingers Lamine Yamal, 16, and Nico Williams, 21, as well as 21-year-old playmaker Pedri - "basically a youth team".
The former World Cup, Euro and Champions League runner-up told German broadcaster Welt that the hosts would prevail "because it is usually the case in a tournament that a team who are as highly praised as the Spaniards and has undoubtedly shown why, their good results suddenly change".
The former Arsenal shot-stopper, 54, added: "This has happened to the Spaniards before and from a technical point of view, they are perhaps even better than us. But they are too small in size and they are very inexperienced. They are basically a youth team.
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة July 05, 2024 من The Straits Times.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك ? تسجيل الدخول
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة July 05, 2024 من The Straits Times.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك? تسجيل الدخول
Confident Canada relish s-final with Argentina
ARLINGTON Canada coach Jesse Marsch said his team were relishing the chance to face world champions Argentina in the Copa America semi-finals on July 9 after their shock win over Venezuela.
MURRAY'S WIMBLEDON OVER
Briton's mixed doubles partner Raducanu withdraws as he looks to end career in Paris
SPIETH HEROINE IS COMING HOME
Trainer Peters' filly all set to score overdue win after squandering chances recently
309 linked to scams involving $10m in Om losses under investigation
A total of 309 suspects linked to more than 1,300 cases of scams involving losses of over $10 million are being investigated by the police.
Over 400 Zhenghua households to get credits for use at vending machines
More than 400 less privileged households in the Zhenghua division of the North West District will benefit from a new programme aimed at helping them cope with the rising cost of living.
Cameras being considered after design of Marine Parade bus stop draws flak
One way to solve a problem commuters are facing at the new bus stop opposite Parkway Parade mall due to its design is to install cameras that allow those seated at the bus stop to see footage of arriving buses.
Event celebrating racial and religious harmony returns, with spotlight on youth
In an era of social media and misinformation, youth in Singapore play a crucial role in preserving interracial and inter-religious harmony.
LTA in talks over anti-lock brakes for new motorcycles
It is looking to make feature mandatory for new two-wheelers; riders welcome proposal
Oil booms at Coney Island, Chek Jawa, Pasir Ris Park removed
Oil containment booms pre-emptively placed at sensitive biodiversity areas in the north-east of Singapore have been removed after consultation with oil spill consultants, Minister for National Development Desmond Lee said in a Facebook post on July 6.
Some enter East Coast Park waters despite oil spill advisory
Docs warn exposure to low-sulphur oil can pose health risks such as respiratory issues
