Navas dismisses criticism of Spain

Spain attacker Jesus Navas says his side are ignoring criticism regarding their performance in the 1-0 victory over Croatia.

Vicente del Bosque’s team had to wait until the final minutes for Navas’ match-winning strike and came close to going behind to Slaven Bilic’s men on several occasions.

However, the Sevilla forward says Spain are still well placed to succeed at Euro 2012 and has called for perspective.

“We are distancing ourselves from that criticism,” Navas told reporters. “We are only thinking about football, about going through and about what happens on the pitch.

“We are confident, we were first in the group. There is a lot of desire and confidence about going very far in the tournament.

“It is a key to remain calm for big matches and we are on the right path.”

The Spaniard went on to insist that he and the squad are high on confidence after safely navigating the group stage.

“I feel confident,” Navas said. “This is important. I am really eager to play and to keep enjoying.

“We are scoring, with or without a number nine, because we have a variety of players. We all feel very comfortable.”

The 26-year-old also gave his thoughts on his side’s opponents in the tournament’s quarter-finals, Laurent Blanc’s France.

“Every team can make things difficult for you,” Navas said. “We only have to think about ourselves.

“France will go out trying to win the match. Their defence is strong, just like their midfield. They have quick players to play on the counter and we will have to be very careful.”