 "Defiant Ramos backs humiliated Spain to rise again")
Spain defender Sergio Ramos claimed the world champions will recover from the historic 5-1 rout they suffered at the hands of the Netherlands, insisting "excuses are for losers".
La Roja will almost certainly need to beat Chile and Australia in their final two group games and may even also need a favour from the Dutch when they face Chile on June 23.
"In football you are obliged to move on," said Ramos yesterday.
"We will not forget what happened yesterday, but we are very motivated. We have to lift ourselves, we can't go crazy after one bad game against a very good team."
A key player in Spain's three consecutive major tournament victories in the past six years, Ramos was one of the main culprits as the Spanish defence was torn apart by the Dutch in the second-half in Salvador.
Captain and goalkeeper Iker Casillas was also in the firing line due to his string of errors, but Ramos believes the huge amount of tournament experience within the squad will help them recover.
"I'll live with the critics. I don't go mad with the praise, nor will I be drowned by the criticism.
"Now we all have to do our bit. The veterans and the young players. We have to accept what happened, but we are a group of champions and we can't blame individuals.
"Much is expected of us, but now more than ever we are united. We have not been sent home yet.
La Roja will almost certainly need to beat Chile and Australia in their final two group games and may even also need a favour from the Dutch when they face Chile on June 23.
"In football you are obliged to move on," said Ramos yesterday.
Also Read
"The dressing room is more united than ever. We are full of desire, passion and pride and would like to play today against Chile.
"We will not forget what happened yesterday, but we are very motivated. We have to lift ourselves, we can't go crazy after one bad game against a very good team."
A key player in Spain's three consecutive major tournament victories in the past six years, Ramos was one of the main culprits as the Spanish defence was torn apart by the Dutch in the second-half in Salvador.
Captain and goalkeeper Iker Casillas was also in the firing line due to his string of errors, but Ramos believes the huge amount of tournament experience within the squad will help them recover.
"I'll live with the critics. I don't go mad with the praise, nor will I be drowned by the criticism.
"Now we all have to do our bit. The veterans and the young players. We have to accept what happened, but we are a group of champions and we can't blame individuals.
"Much is expected of us, but now more than ever we are united. We have not been sent home yet.
You’ve reached your limit of {{free_limit}} free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →*Subscribe to Business Standard digital and get complimentary access to The New York Times
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
SAVE 25%
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
SAVE 46%
*Complimentary New York Times access for the 2nd year will be given after 12 months
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Subscribe
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Exclusive premium stories online
Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors
Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share
Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor
Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements
Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app
SAVE 25%