Juan Santisteban (ESP), Spain coach
"It was a very tough match because of the
extreme heat, but even though we suffered a lot in the first half,
we were a lot better after the break. Our goal was to win, not to
avoid losing. We were trailing at one point and managed to pull
level, so my tactics weren't defensive. You always have to be
happy when you make it through to the second round, but it's
even better when you finish top of the group."
Miguel Angel Tojo (ARG), Argentina coach
"In spite of the heat, we were mostly good in
the first half before starting to suffer in the second. Spain were
in better shape physically and that's what made it possible for
them to catch up. That said, I regret we weren't able to score
a second goal from one of the chances we had, especially Santiago
Fernandez's shot at the end. Our first goal was to qualify and
we've achieved that, so now we're going to concentrate on
our match against Costa Rica."
Iago (ESP), Spain midfielder
"We started well but it was very hard to play
in that heat, especially when you're playing matches every
three days. Luckily, we were better after the restart. Our goal
today was definitely to win, not to avoid losing, although we knew
a draw would be enough. Considering the conditions we played in,
we're very happy with the result."
Carlos Benitez (ESP), Argentina striker
"We're pleased to have met the first
target we set ourselves upon arrival, which was to qualify. From
now on, the serious business begins and we'll take it step by
step, trying not to make any mistakes along the way. We created a
lot of chances so we could have hoped for an even better outcome.
For my goal, I was a bit far from the ball after I controlled it,
but I still managed to get a shot off. I'm very pleased because
it's the goal that guaranteed our place in the second
round."
