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Xavi warns Spain not to underestimate Portugal
Jun 27, 2012 11:45:00 AM
The influential midfielder has stressed that Wednesday's semi-final will not be easy for the defending champions, with Cristiano Ronaldo not the only threat to La Roja
Spain midfielder Xavi has warned his team-mates that there is more to Portugal than Cristiano Ronaldo ahead of Wednesday's Euro 2012 semi-final match in Donetsk.Xavi believes the Seleccao are not to be underestimated and praised a number of the midfield threats that will line-up for Paulo Bento's team.
"They’re a great side," Xavi told Fifa.com. "Not just Cristiano, who’s an attacker you constantly need to keep an eye on, of course, but Nani as well and good footballers like Joao Moutinho and Raul Meireles.
"They're both very skilful and can move the ball around quickly. They’re a tough team and, on top of that, they're very tight at the back very well. It’s going to be tricky."
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"Spain have improved with each game and have shown their competitiveness," Xavi stated. "We know how to perform in these situations.
"Sometimes we can’t always play well, but the important thing is that even then we remain tough opponents. We all help each other out as a team, and that shows on the pitch."
Wednesday's semi-final encounter kicks off at 20:45CET.
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