Football
ESPN staff 10y

Sergio Ramos: Panenka penalty for Spain was not planned

Sergio Ramos said he didn't think ahead about his Panenka-style penalty kick for Spain as they recorded a 5-1 win over Macedonia in their first Euro 2016 qualifying game, but added that the victory was a good start to Spain's rebuilding process.

"I didn't have plans to split it, but I saw that the goalkeeper moved and I made the decision. I had taken a penalty kick like that before and that's why it worked. But the important thing isn't the penalty nor the goal but rather the team's victory," the centre-back said. "We have to have patience and trust the roles that the new players can develop. It was a positive first start and we must continue in this vein."

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The 2010 world champions and reigning European champions crashed out in the group stage at the summer's World Cup in Brazil, but were far too powerful for their opponents in their first competitive fixture since returning from South America.

Vicente del Bosque's side were on the receiving end of a 5-1 scoreline against Netherlands in their World Cup opener, but Ramos got them up and running against Macedonia with the penalty after 16 minutes.

Spain doubled their lead just a minute later when Paco Alcacer, on his home ground in Valencia, marked his first competitive game for his country with a goal.

Del Bosque stressed that it was key for Spain was to open Euro 2016 qualifying with a victory.

"The most important thing is that was start with three points. The team's performance was good, although I would have liked to see more continuity in our game," the manager said. "We worked combinations and we had our options. I think Macedonia played well although in the back they were weaker. Their coach said they would play forward and that is what they did. That gave us more chances in front of the goal."

"We knew we would lose some credibility after the World Cup and we have to win that back little by little," Del Bosque said. "The best we can do is to do that on the pitch and not with words. The goal is to keep winning and qualify for Euro 2016."

The Spain coach praised the work of Alcacer and Munir El Haddadi.

"He has met all of our expectations," Del Bosque said of Alcacer. "He moves well, he scored a goal and he has played in both matches. We are going to follow his development closely at Valencia."

Del Bosque played 19-year-old Munir for 15 minutes, thus ending any further conversation about potential interest from Morocco.

The forward, who has impressed for Barcelona so far this season, was born in Spain to Moroccan parents, and was called up last week following the withdrawal of Diego Costa to injury.

"I am pleased that he could have a solid debut at age 19," said Del Bosque. "When he plays, we know that at any moment we have a forward who is fast and can score."

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