Sergio Ramos has reflected on the allegations made against the Spain squad and on the added motivation both they and Italy have this week.
La Roja are preparing for their Confederations Cup semi-final with Cesare Prandelli’s men, in what will be a rematch this Thursday of last year’s European Championship Final, which ended 4-0 to the Spanish.
“Practically they have the same philosophy and the same players, just like us,” Ramos mused in his Press conference this week.
“They have a mix of veterans and young people and will try to go for it.
“Whilst they have the added motivation of a rematch, we have the motivation of getting this title.
“There is merit in getting through the tournament with few faults, but not only in defence, but as a whole group.
“The secret is to be very focused, to take the ball without making a mistake.
“Personal praise is not for me, I’m happy with my role, but what we want is to be champions.”
Italy have seen star striker Mario Balotelli return home through injury.
“He is very important, but if he is not in the team then they have other players who can do as much if not more than him, and so we will have to be very focused.”
Spain have played out their games so far to a humid environment and one that has seen fans generally support their opponents.
“It is true that we have used a lot of energy playing in the heat, but the heat is the same of both teams, we will try in the environment to impose our game.
“The whistles? We have been welcomed from the beginning with affection, yes, it is normal that there is an atmosphere against us because we have come here as favourites, in Spain it would be the same with Brazil.
“I really like the atmosphere.”
The Seleccion have been hit by allegations in the Brazilian media that they were up into the early hours of the morning partying one night during the first week of the competition.
“We hope that FIFA take action. You cannot play with the image of this national team. Such information is extremely serious. I am confident that justice will be done.
“We are very relaxed, you cannot invent a story because it can create personal problems. We cannot get carried away by this. We are here to talk about football and we all have a clear conscience.”
