Consecutive victories over Czech Republic (2-0) and Ukraine (3-0) have dismissed any lingering doubts in the Spanish camp following the opening game with England, when Luis Milla’s team was accused of playing too much football and lacking punch up front. In fact, the mood right now is one of supreme confidence in a system that sees them just one game away from qualification for next year’s Olympic Games.
A semi-final with Belarus in Viborg on Wednesday is one Spain will be expected to win, yet Juan Mata, two-goal hero of the win over Ukraine, thinks his team will encounter a different kind of threat than the one faced so far. The Valencia winger played in a 1-1 friendly draw with Belarus in March and says: “They are in the semi-finals on merit and because they are a team that never gives up until the final whistle. It will be difficult for us as they are very physical and competitive, so it will be a good test of our ability.” Mata also had words for teammate Adri
