Alonso rejects ´boring´ tag

Spanish midfielder Xabi Alonso believes his side’s 4-0 win over Italy disproved the ‘boring’ tag that many critics labelled them.

The midfielder confirmed Spain were aware of their critics during the Euro 2012 tournament, but insists minds would now have been changed following their demolition of Italy in the final.

The pre-match debate prior to the final against Italy had been dominated by allegations that the reigning world and European champions had become a tedious side to watch.

Coach Vicente del Bosque dismissed the negative comments and believed they played no role in motivating his team for what turned out to be a devastating performance during their dominant 4-0 win, but Alonso confirmed the critics were known among the players.

“We heard the criticism and we saw what was written,” Alonso told Fifa’s official website.

“That happens. Now they will have a different opinion.”

Spain comfortably eased past Italy with goals from David Silva, Jordi Alba, Fernando Torres and Juan Mata registering the highest-ever winning margin in a major tournament final.

But Alonso insists La Roja are not getting ahead of themselves, and will digest the success before turning attentions to another major tournament defence at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

“We don’t feel we have an obligation to keep winning trophies,” he added.

“But we also knew what was expected of us. Maybe four years ago we enjoyed it more because it was the first time.

“Now it will take time for it to sink in. It is not the time to think about the future. We can do that in the months ahead. But it does not feel like the end of anything.”