Russia 2018: Isco demands improvements from Spain after draw with Morocco

Isco has demanded his Spain side improve after dramatically avoiding a shock defeat to Morocco in their final group stage game at the World Cup.

The Real Madrid playmaker scored Spain’s first equaliser as the 2010 champions twice came from behind in a 2-2 draw, but he was more concerned about how easily he and his teammates have been giving goals away at the tournament.

Spain’s chaotic tie against Morocco came after a 3-3 draw with Portugal in their opener, and their defensive frailties have been laid bare in those two matches – a worry considering they were thought to be one of the favourites to lift the trophy.

“Again we started a bit doubtful, we couldn’t get going,” Isco said.

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“From now on games are life or death. We can’t keep giving goals away, we have to focus.

“We are lacking what we know best, controlling games and having the ball.

“We have to put the batteries in, any rival team would send us home.”

Morocco, who had already been eliminated from the tournament and had nothing to play for against Spain, were accused of going in too hard in what was a fiercely contested clash, but Isco brushed aside those complaints.

“That’s football, they did their job and were professional,” he said.”They tackled hard like anyone, we can’t complain.”

Spain topped their group thanks to their dramatic late equaliser on Monday, setting up a tie against hosts Russia in the last 16 on Sunday.

Russia were the lowest-ranked team going into the tournament, but have been galvanised by the home support, and Isco says Spain will not be taking them lightly.

“We know it will be hard against the hosts, who are having a fantastic tournament,” he added.