Spain coach del Bosque hails David Villa

Updated on: 23 June,2009 09:06 AM IST |
PA Sport |

Coach del Bosque hails striker for putting transfer saga behind and scoring for Spain

Coach del Bosque hails striker for putting transfer saga behind and scoring for Spain

Spain coach Vicente del Bosque has praised striker David Villa, who has put aside personal distractions regarding his on-off move from Valencia to score in all three of Spain's Confederations Cup matches so far.

"I think Villa will score more goals than Raul in the national team, but many records will go as well. Raul, who has been an example, has played 102 matches with Spain and soon other players will overhaul that number," said Del Bosque, referring to the likes of Iker Casillas, Carles Puyol and Xavi, who are all closing in on 100 appearances for Spain.

Spain's 2-0 victory over South Africa on Sunday earned them a record-breaking 15th successive international win, while the result also saw them equal Brazil's world-leading run of 35 games unbeaten, set between 1993 and 1996.

The Spaniards now play USA tomorrow in the semi-finals, where they can eclipse Brazil's 35-match unbeaten run if they avoid defeat.

Del Bosque was wary of the "well organised" Americans. "They are fast, well organised, and they will come into the match with plenty of desire," he said.

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