No decision taken over future, insists Del Bosque

Brasilia: Spain coach Vicente del Bosque has said he will wait to decide whether to lead his side`s defence of the European Championships after crashing out of the World Cup in the group stages.

Del Bosque led Spain to their first ever World Cup triumph in South Africa four years ago and victory at the Euros in 2012, but has been heavily criticised for failing to inject new blood into an ageing side that was swept aside by the Netherlands and Chile. "It is not the moment to speak about my future, we are still involved in the competition," said Del Bosque, whose side face Australia in their final group game in Curitiba on Monday. "Nothing is decided and we will take a decision bearing in mind what is best for the federation and Spanish football." Del Bosque admitted that he and his players had made plenty of mistakes both in their preparation and in their two defeats, but dismissed suggestions that unrest amongst the squad had been to blame. "Of course we have made mistakes, even in the squad there are three or four players that could have come instead, but I wouldn`t change those I have brought too much. "We have been beaten for football reasons. We had less control of the games than we had hoped, as much against the Netherlands as against Chile. We suffered a lot more and defensively we were weaker." Elimination is set to end a golden era for Spanish football with Xavi Hernandez, 34, expected to announce his retirement from international duty in the coming days. Much criticised goalkeeper Iker Casillas, 33, and midfielder Xabi Alonso, 32, could also have played their last international tournament, but Del Bosque insisted they hadn`t failed due to an ageing squad. "There is the impression that this is a veteran squad, but there are seven other teams in the competition with an older average age," he said. "The other day it wasn`t just the veterans that failed, it was everyone. We haven`t been up to the task. "I don`t know if it is the end of an era. There are not so many older players that have to leave. Almost all of them will continue playing in their clubs. "If younger players come through it will be on merit, not due to their age." Del Bosque also hinted that he could make a number of changes for the Australia game with those that haven`t featured so far given their chance to prove a point. "We will name the line-up we think is the best team possible. We also have to take into account those that have not played yet, but we will name the most competitive team."