News APP

NewsApp (Free)

Read news as it happens
Download NewsApp
Home  » Sports » Lemerre blames lack of vigilance for defeat

Lemerre blames lack of vigilance for defeat

By Martyn Herman
June 20, 2006 11:47 IST
Get Rediff News in your Inbox:
Coach Roger Lemerre said Tunisia had wasted 70 minutes of hard graft by lowering their guard against Spain in a 3-1 Group H defeat on Monday.

After midfielder Joahar Mnari gave them a shock lead in the eighth minute, the North Africans repelled everything Spain threw at them until Raul finally scored with 20 minutes left.

"Spain have an excellent attack but it still took them 70 minutes to score against us," Frenchman Lemerre told reporters.

"We played at an excellent level but we were made to pay a heavy price for a lack of vigilance. We had a plan and it worked for a long time but in the end we were not watchful enough."

Also Read


Torres takes Spain past Tunisia

Spain coach says changes turned the game

Know these football moves?

A Football Mela

You may turn into a football!


Tunisia frustrated the fancied Spaniards with Jaidi a rock at the heart of their defence but once halftime substitute Raul had equalised Spain accelerated away into the distance.

Fernando Torres, a handful throughout the match, scored twice including a penalty to put Spain top of the group and through to the last 16 after two straight victories.

"We were overrun when Spain scored, they began to go faster and we lost our shape," said Lemerre. "But up until then we pushed Spain to the limit."

Get Rediff News in your Inbox:
Martyn Herman
Source: REUTERS
© Copyright 2024 Reuters Limited. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of Reuters content, including by framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Reuters. Reuters shall not be liable for any errors or delays in the content, or for any actions taken in reliance thereon.

Paris Olympics 2024

India's Tour Of Australia 2024-25