Euro 2012: Xavi says Spain have a 'great opportunity' to make history

Xavi says Spain have a "great opportunity to make history" as the reigning European and world champions aim for a third tournament triumph. The Barcelona midfielder is desperate to write his name into the history books, but knows Spain face a difficult task against Italy in Kiev. "We have achieved great things with the national team," said Xavi. We're in a great generation of players and we have a great opportunity to make history. This is our chance." Having defeated Germany four years ago, Spain, who overcame the Netherlands to win the World Cup in 2010, will become the first team to retain the European Championship if they beat Italy on Sunday. Even more important, victory over the Azzurri would make them the first country to win three major international tournaments in a row - and Xavi says Spain are determined to show they are still the team to beat. "We really want to do well and show people that this team is still hungry to win and that our football is good," he added. Xavi admitted he was a fan of the approach introduced by coach Italy coach Cesare Prandelli and singled out the Azzurri's Andrea Pirlo for praise. "A few years ago, football was showing tendencies of becoming more physical and the games more condensed," he said. "We were very lucky that, although (Spain's) footballers were slightly weaker physically, they were more talented technically.
Source: BBC