Spain never doubted themselves despite criticism, says Mikel Oyarzabal

Madrid — Spain’s players always believed they were capable of going all the way at the European Championship and they have now proved their potential by advancing to the semifinals, forward Mikel Oyarzabal said on Sunday.

Coach Luis Enrique divided national opinion by leaving out captain Sergio Ramos from his squad and the team’s opening draws with Sweden and Poland provoked more fury from the national media.

But criticism has subsided with victories over Slovakia and Croatia and their penalty shoot-out win over Switzerland in the quarterfinals. They now face a fascinating semifinal against old rivals Italy at Wembley Stadium on Tuesday.

“From the first day we were confident that we were a solid group, a united group and that we were good enough and we’ve proved that,” Oyarzabal told reporters. “People are free to say what they like, that’s part of football but we never had any doubts at any moment, we always believed in ourselves and we trust in ourselves for what is to come.”

Spain are meeting Italy for the fourth Euros in a row, beating them on penalties in a Euro 2008 quarterfinal, hammering them 4-0 in the Euro 2012 final and then losing 2-0 to them to exit Euro 2016.

Italy have been one of the outstanding teams in the tournament and overcame Belgium to reach the semis but Oyarzabal said his side did not feel any inferiority complex.

“They’re a top-level team with players who keep performing at the highest level with their clubs but we’re not any less than them,” he said.

“We have to keep having full confidence in ourselves, the way we play and the ideas we have and focus on producing a big performance regardless of who we’re playing.”

Reuters