Hugo Sanchez believes Spain deliberately lost to Japan on Thursday night to avoid a last-16 clash against Croatia and a potential quarter-final against Brazil at the World Cup.
Unfancied Japan defeated Spain 2-1 to finish top of Group E and send Germany packing. It was a controversial result, as the ball appeared to go out of play in the build-up to Ao Tanaka's winner. A VAR review confirmed a tiny part of the ball was still in play.
Spain were one goal to the good and in control of the game before Japan's stunning fightback. Mexico legend Sanchez, who played and managed his country, thinks Spain were happy to lose the game and receive a more favourable tie against Morocco.
Sanchez's questionable comments came after he was asked by an ESPN reporter: "You are assuring me that Spain looked for this result to avoid Brazil?"
As quoted by the Daily Mail, Sanchez replied: "I assure you. I was not there and I’m not in the mind of Luis Enrique but he had thought about what was the best way to avoid playing Brazil in the quarter-finals. Yes there is a risk but it’s a risk worth taking. It’s not that they fear Brazil but they respect them."
Croatia, who reached the final of the last World Cup, were pipped to top spot in Group F by Morocco after the African nation secured a shock win against Belgium earlier in the tournament. Belgium's exit is a surprise, as they are ranked second in the world by FIFA.
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Furthermore, the winner of Croatia's game against Morocco could face pre-tournament favourites Brazil in the quarter-finals. Brazil will finish top of Group G if they avoid a defeat to Cameroon on Thursday, which is expected after back-to-back wins.
Spain's likely quarter-finals opponents are now Portugal, who are an easier opponent on paper. This is all hypothetical, of course, as Luis Enrique's side must overcome an unbeaten Morocco side before they can think about a quarter-final clash.
Sanchez may change his opinion on the matter after hearing what Enrique had to say about Japan's controversial winner. "I have seen a photo that must have been tampered with, it cannot be that this photo is real. It has to be manipulated," said the Spain boss.
Enrique was also asked about the prospect of avoiding Brazil in the quarter-finals. The Spaniard replied: "In football you deserve it or not and we didn't deserve it. I'm not happy at all. I would have liked to be on top and win but in five minutes Japan scored two.
"We were dismantled. We didn't have any danger in the first half and then at half-time I told them to be cautious because they had nothing to lose. We collapsed and they could have scored two more goals. I'm not happy at all.
"I never celebrate defeats so we have nothing to celebrate. We have qualified but I have nothing to celebrate."
