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'Ronaldo is a great player, but Portugal are not a one-man team' - Iniesta
Jun 27, 2012 11:05:00 AM
Barcelona man believes concentrating on an individual is not the way to approach the semi-final, while revealing none of the Spanish squad are feeling the pressure as favourites
Spain midfielder Andres Iniesta is adamant his side’s Euro 2012 semi-final opponents Portugal are not simply a 'one-man team'.
Cristiano Ronaldo has been in scintillating form of late for the Seleccao, guiding his side into the last four of the European Championship with three goals in his previous two matches.
However, despite his Liga rival’s evident class, Iniesta is convinced Portugal are far more of a proposition than just the talents of the Real Madrid forward.
“11 of Spain against one Portuguese? It seems we are not as obsessed with Ronaldo as other people are,” Iniesta told reporters.
“Yes he is a great player but Portugal are not a one-man team. Besides we have enough players who know Ronaldo well enough to stop him.
“We have respect for him but we are not waging a war on one man because we feel it will bring us victory."
Iniesta is also wary of a Portuguese backlash after Spain dumped them out of the 2010 World Cup at the first knockout stage on their way to lifting the trophy.
He continued: “Portugal are dangerous in certain areas and it will be on their mind that we knocked them out of the World Cup.
"But vengeance is pointless if it isn’t handled well. If you become too obsessed with something you lose sight of things and it leads to your own undoing.”
Spain were many people’s favourites to retain their European crown going into the tournament in Poland and Ukraine.
Should Vicente Del Bosque’s side achieve the feet they would become the first team ever to win three consecutive major tournaments, though Iniesta says he and his teammate’s are relaxed heading into the clash.
“When you are the world champions you are always under pressure,” he added.
“If Spain doesn’t play the perfect game, the critics will be on hand to remind them it’s their responsibility to do so. But we are not fazed by criticism. We are calm ahead of this game.”
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