Espanyol forward Roberto Fernandez proud after bruising Spain debut | OneFootball

Espanyol forward Roberto Fernandez said he was proud after a bruising senior debut as Spain beat the Czech Republic at the Carlos Tartiere. "It's my debut, I was enjoying it. I'm a striker and I wanted to score, but I'm very happy. Now to keep working," he told TVE.

Given the nod to lead the line for his first cap, the striker created space for team-mates and went close twice in a tight contest. His presence led to Ladislav Krejci receiving a second yellow in the 85th minute after struggling to contain him.

"I have not been able to score but I have dragged central defenders so that others could do it."

"I took a lot of flak, but I finished strong. I played the whole game, so it was great. Onwards and upwards."

The night carried extra meaning given his link with Czechia head coach Santi Denia from the Under-21 set-up. "When they called me up, I saw the games and I knew that Santi was in the Czech Republic," Fernandez added.

Source: Goal.com

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