Questions for Del Bosque as Spain lose in Slovakia

Madrid, Oct 10 (IANS) Spain coach Vicente del Bosque has some important decisions to make after his side crashed to a shock 1-2 defeat to Slovakia in the Euro 2016 qualifiers.

A series of missed chances in front of goal and the sort of goalkeeping error which will give Iker Casillas nightmares condemned Spain Thursday night to their first defeat in a qualifying game for eight years, a defeat in a game where they probably deserved to take at least a point back to Madrid, reports Xinhua.

The Spanish remain loyal to their tradition of passing the ball around the midfield and possession and control are still Spain's watchwords, but the big question has to be whether Diego Costa is the man to lead the attack.

Costa can't stop scoring in the Premier League, just as he was top scorer for Atletico Madrid last season in Spain, but his bustling aggressive style seems out of place under Del Bosque.

Costa showed just what kind of striker he is last Sunday when he scored Chelsea's second goal in their 2-0 win at home to Arsenal. 

The Brazilian latched onto a direct pass from Cesc Fabregas, bullied his way past the defence, ran into space and beat the keeper.

He didn't do that Thursday, basically because he never had space to run into as Spain's football allowed the Slovaks to defend deep and instead of looking for the powerful forward, most passes went either backwards or horizontally.

One player who does look suited to Spain's style is Paco Alcazer, who netted his second goal in two appearances for his country. The Valencia forward is a player who only needs one touch to score and his style is more suited to latching onto the sort of passes Spain play into the rival penalty area.

Casillas had enjoyed an encouraging start to the campaign until Thursday, back as first choice at Real Madrid, he has not been free from errors, but with his side dominating the majority of their rivals, he has enjoyed several placid evenings in which to build up his confidence.

That confidence was shattered as he was deceived by a swerving free-kick which allowed Slovakia to open the scoring Thursday. It was a gift of a goal and has once again brought the knives out for the veteran goalkeeper.

David De Gea was outstanding for Manchester United last weekend and was on the subs' bench. The calls will now be for Del Bosque to play him against Luxembourg Monday.

Whoever plays in goal against Luxembourg should have a quiet night, but that would merely help De Gea to settle into the national set up. 

Casillas will probably remain Del Bosque's man, but with the coach also under pressure in the wake of last summer's World Cup failure, maybe coach and keeper might go down together.