Frustration but acceptance in Spain after French sneak late World Cup draw

Benzema takes on Casillas

MADRID, Oct. 16 (Xinhua) -- Spain coach Vicente del Bosque was forced to admit that justice was done following Oliver Giroud's 94th minute goal which gave France a dramatic 1-1 draw in the World Cup qualifying game between both sides in Madrid.

Spain had been on track for their third consecutive win in their group when Sergio Ramos headed them into a first half lead, but a defensive error from Spain fullback Juanfran Torres, who had come into the game as a second half substitute allowed Fran Ribery to set Giroud for a late late headed goal.

The result leaves both sides with seven points from three games, but France have a slight advantage given that Spain have to play them in Paris next year.

"The game was very open and we were always vulnerable to being hit on the break," admitted Del Bosque on Spanish television after the final whistle.

"They (France) pressured us a lot in the second half and we didn't defend well as we were too open at the back, but you can't take merit away from France," said the Spain coach, who admitted his players could have been tired following their 4-0 win in Belarus on Friday.

"We looked a bit heavy and looked to defend at 1-0, but what can you do," he concluded.

Meanwhile goal-scorer Ramos admitted that the lateness of the French goal, which came in the last action of the game was deeply frustrating.

"You end up feeling bad after all the work you have done, with the time over, they have drawn and you end up looking stupid. The goal was an error but you can't blame anyone, we had chances and didn't take them: that is football," said a frustrated Ramos, who produced an excellent display despite having been a doubt beforehand with a muscle injury.

"I am happy for the goal, but it's not worth anything when you don't win," he concluded.