Mata: Spain can have more success

Juan Mata has revelled in Spain’s Euro 2012 success but has immediately set his sights on the Brazil World Cup.

The 24-year-old came off the bench to score Spain’s last goal in their 4-0 victory over Italy in the final in what was his first and only appearance for La Roja in the tournament.

David Silva and Jordi Alba had opened the scoring in the first half, before Cesare Prandelli’s men were forced to play the final 33 minutes with 10 men after Thiago Motta hurt his hamstring and was stretchered off without any further substitutions available.

With the numerical advantage, Fernando Torres fired home a late goal before teeing up his Chelsea team-mate Mata who rounded off a superb victory with the fourth goal of the night.

Mata said he was delighted to be able to play his part in Spain’s third tournament victory in a row – although he believes there’s more success to come for this team.

“Now it is time to enjoy but hopefully we can repeat this (triumph) in Brazil,” Mata told Goal.com.

“I cannot explain how happy I am for winning the Euros and scoring a goal in the final, I cannot ask for anything more.

“We are particularly pleased because we played really well and scored many goals, which is unusual in a final.

“We also benefited that they went one man down after Thiago Motta’s injury, but we were great in general.

“It is easier for us to play against a team like Italy, who try to play attacking football and leave more spaces. It makes the games more attractive and suits our style.

“We always knew it would be very difficult to win the Euros, I cannot say that we doubted ourselves, but sometimes you think that teams can find the formula to beat you. Fortunately, this was not the case and here we are again, celebrating.”