Spain still hungry, says Iniesta

Spain midfielder Andres Iniesta has insisted the reigning world and European champions have not lost their desire to win titles.

Vicente del Bosque’s men are widely regarded as favourites to win Euro 2012, but have shown in Poland and Ukraine only glimpses of the form which saw them crowned European champions four years ago.

“It is wrong to think that there is less hunger than in previous times, you never lose it,” Iniesta told Deportes Cuatro.

“We are very eager to win another Euro title and make history.”

Spain were at times on the back foot in Monday’s 1-0 victory against Croatia, but Iniesta does not think his team performed below expectations.

“I do not think that Spain played poorly,” the Barcelona midfielder said. “Other teams have also had matches in which they were not at their best.

“We had some difficult moments against Croatia, but that happens to every team.

“When a national team plays at a very high level and when it has won titles, expectations are very high.

“The fans should trust this team. It is unfair to say we are not playing as well as we did at the (2010) World Cup.”

Looking ahead to Spain’s quarter-final clash against France, Iniesta said: “We have won the right to be considered favourites, but France are very strong, and this will be a good match.

“I think they will try to have the ball and the key will be how effective we can be when we have possession.”