Fabregas hits back at 'boring' claims

Cesc Fabregas is not going to let jibes about ’boring’ Spain spoil the best day of his life.

The former Arsenal captain was a central figure in Kiev as Spain overwhelmed Italy 4-0 in the Euro 2012 final to become the first side to win three successive tournaments.

It was also the biggest margin of victory in a final during the tournament’s entire history and underlines La Roja’s status as one of the best national sides ever.

Yet the achievement has come amid claims Spain’s unique tiki-taka approach has become more concerned with stopping the opposition having possession than doing anything constructive themselves.

It is an opinion espoused by Fabregas’ former boss Arsene Wenger, and it is not one he agrees with.

Speaking to Radio Five Live, Fabregas said: “Those people who think we are playing boring, in my opinion they don’t understand the game. This has been one of the best days of my life.

“Three major trophies in a row has never been done before in the history of football. I don’t think we’re ready to see what we have done yet.”

Early dominance

First-half goals from David Silva and Jordi Alba put Spain in control.

And once Thiago Motta had gone off with a hamstring injury just four minutes after his introduction, Italy were forced to play the final half hour with 10 men.

That allowed Spain to really rub it in as Fernando Torres added a third before setting up Chelsea team-mate Juan Mata to wrap up an incredible win.

“It’s true we were lucky enough to play a great match,” said coach Vicente Del Bosque. “Everything worked for us. It was an extraordinary performance against a difficult opponent.”

Andres Iniesta claimed the man-of-the-match award after another outstanding performance.

He is one of four players – Iker Casillas, Sergio Ramos and Xavi are the others - to have started all three final triumphs.

“It’s very nice to have this man-of-the-match trophy but it’s especially great to be champions again,” he said.

“The team played a great match and all the players were on their top level. We are very happy.”

Iniesta said criticism of Spain’s style had no effect on his team-mates.

The Barcelona man insisted Spain stayed true to their beliefs.

“Everybody has their opinion,” he said. “We are not here to say that our game is the most beautiful of them all. Everyone has a different view.

“Today, we had a great level of play and were faithful to our style. That they only had 10 players made things easier for us.

“This victory is unique and magical - It is something that cannot be repeated.”

[comment]See our live blog of last night's match here.[/comment]