Japan stun Spain 2-1 to take top spot in Group E, Germany eliminated: World Cup result

“Of course we’d have liked to qualify by winning the game. They scored two quick goals, and then we found it tough. But we are through and have to think of the next game now.”

“Japan are very dynamic, have very fast players, and look for their moments. The first half we had more control, scoring a second goal would have made it more relaxed. Then there was a lot of tension and we were not able to find an equaliser.

“After a defeat, it is difficult to be positive. But we have to look forward. We always want to win every game, we wanted to qualify top of group. We did not look any further than today`s game against Japan. Now we have to think about Morocco and just focus on them.”

On an ankle knock which saw him taken off at half-time, he said: "I am not feeling as good as I’d like but hopefully will recover soon.”