Spanish national team players on Wednesday
said they are aware of the huge expectations that have been placed on them
ahead of their Euro 2008 semi-final against Russia in Vienna on Thursday, dpa reported.
Left-back Joan Capdevila said that he knew the whole country was behind them
and supporting them. "We can't let them down and we can't pass this
opportunity up."
His team-mate Sergio Ramos said that it was a motivating factor to see the
interest that the team's progress had made. "We are aware that we have had
similarly good players, but have never made it right to the end. This is an
excellent opportunity."
Barcelona midfielder Andres Iniesta said that the whole team was looking
forward to the semi-final match. "It is a moment to enjoy for all."
Ramos said that the team would go into their game against Russia, whom they beat 4-1 in the group phase, without underestimating their opposition.
"One performance does not say anything about a team. They have shown at
this tournament that they are a good side. Their performance against the Dutch
was excellent.
"They know how to move the ball around, they know how to move forward. We
will try to attack their weaknesses. It will be a totally different game."
Capdevila agreed with Ramos. "The semi-final will be nothing like the
first game. It is an advantage for us though that we already know them."