Iniesta shrugs off Spanish criticism
Spain's Andres Iniesta is not letting recent criticism of his team's playing style affect him ahead of their Euro 2012 semi-final clash with Portugal.
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Ahead of Spain's Euro 2012 semi-final fixture against Portugal, many observers are expecting Vicente Del Bosque's team to emerge on top. However, La Roja have been heavily criticised recently for their style of possession football, with several detractors labelling their distinctive approach to be boring.
Nevertheless, Iniesta does not consider it necessary for the team to make a change, especially since their playing style has brought them much success.
"Football is great precisely because not everyone likes the same thing. For us, the game we have and the way we play is what brought us success and titles. It's our way, there's no other." he stated.
"All opinions are to be respected but this way brought us success and has changed the history of Spain for good. When a team always wants to attack against an opponent who are shutting up shop, who are only trying to stop you hurting them, football is not as attractive as when the game is open, with two teams who are looking to win."
The Barcelona player also downplayed the impact of the extra day's rest that Paulo Bento's men had prior to their semi-final meeting.
"At this stage what we want to do is play, not think about those two days. The competition is set up like that, at other times we will have more of a break than another team," Iniesta said.
"Right now we shouldn't be thinking about tiredness, but of playing well, of being precise, efficient and we can think about tiredness when the competition is over. Now that is secondary, because we have the desire to achieve something unique."
The last meeting between Spain and Portugal did not end favourable for the Spanish, as they lost 4-0 during a 2010 friendly in Lisbon. However, Iniesta believes the loss does nothing more than highlight the quality of their opponent.
"That was some time ago, it's a game which has no beating on the one we will play tomorrow [Wednesday]. (However), it does forewarn us of what Portugal can do if Spain are not on their game and focused."
"Portugal have players who can decide games, and it's going to be a very demanding day. We will have to be focused for the 90 minutes to be able to beat them."