Not time yet to retire internationally: Alonso

Madrid, June 23 (IANS/EFE) Spain's veteran midfielder Xabi Alonso has dismissed rumours that he was not ending his international career and said he would only take a call after the defending champions' failed World Cup campaign comes to an end.

Spain are out of the World Cup afer after two losses -- 1-5 against the Netherlands and 0-2 against Chile. Spain will end their World Cup against Australia Monday in the Brazilian city of Curitiba in what will be an inconsequential match for both the team, reports EFE.

Alonso ruled out the international retirement and spoke sadly about Spain's early exit in 2014 World Cup to Spanish radio Onda Cero.

"We return a lot sooner than we would have liked. This is football and these things happen, unfortunately," Alonso was quoted as saying by Spanish sports daily AS.

"We tried, but we were not at our level. Both teams played very well. Elimination is entirely fair. In the end, the best usually tend to win," said the 32-year-old.

"In the second half Netherlands came much better than us. I had the feeling that we were not competing, and that is what we lacked," he added.

About his controversial statement about how Spain lacked hunger for win, Alonso said: "I think it depends on how you want to understand. I think it is not my perception only but also many of my team mates."

--IANS/EFE

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