La Roja hope to make up for a poor World Cup showing
Spain and Barcelona midfielder Andres Iniesta says he and his teammates are focused on re-establishing themselves amongst the very best sides at this summer’s European Championships.
Vincente del Bosque’s men begin their Euro 2016 campaign against the Czech Republic on Monday, and hope to get off to a winning start; having failed to win their opening game of a major tournament since Euro 2008.
However, that hasn’t stopped them going on to be successful, having won Euro 2008, the 2010 World Cup and retaining their European Championship crown in 2012.
But it was less glamorous for La Roja at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, where Spain made a shock group stage exit, despite being favourites to retain their world crown.
And Iniesta insists he and his teammates are now focused on ensuring Spain go all the way this year, having disappointed their fans two years ago.
“The disappointment of what happened in Brazil forces us to be more focused than ever in this competition,” said Iniesta.
“We arrive with a responsibility as champions and we want to go as far as possible. Each tournament is different and I think that we have a good squad and can do well.
“Only at the end of the tournament we will be able to say how important the first match was,
“We’ve started important competitions losing and still won the title, and we’ve started others with victories but ended losing.”
Spain opened their account at their last major tournament appearance, in Brazil, with a 5-1 defeat by Holland – who failed to qualify for this summer’s championships – however, they did beat Russia 4-1 back in 2008, as they began their fine run of form in international tournaments.
