Midfielders Koke and Asier Illaramendi say Spain must respect opponents Norway in Saturday’s European Under-21 Championship semi-final.
La Rojita meet the Norwegians in Netanya, having disposed of Russia, the Netherlands and Germany in the group games without conceding a goal.
However, Atletico Madrid man Koke knows it will not be easy against a team that disposed of England and held the fancied Italians as well as hosts Israel to draws.
“It will be very difficult. This is a European semi-final and that in itself means it will be tough, although our style will remain the same whoever we play.
“We would like to defend by keeping the ball but we must respect Norway.
“The players who were at this stage in 2011 have told us how difficult any game in this competition is,” he told a Press conference.
Teammate Asier Illaramendi, meanwhile, said he wants to continue the good season he has had with his club Real Sociedad, and he has been one of the revelations of the tournament so far.
“Last season was very good and I was very happy with it, but now I want to carry on improving with the national team.
“We are having a good championship and have so far to concede a goal. We are full of confidence and are satisfied with what we have done until now.
“In this team we all have our own responsibilities and the important thing is that everyone who has played has done their work well, as it’s very difficult against opponents that pack their defence,” he explained.
