Barcelona playmaker Andres Iniesta has claimed that the Spainish national team are victims of their own success.
Following tournament triumphs in 2008 and 2010, Spain are reigning European and world champions.
They were the bookmakers' pre-tournament favourites to win again at Euro 2012 and Iniesta admits that there is a lot of pressure on him and his international teammates.
"When you are world champions, it is difficult to get better amid that euphoria and expectation. It makes it harder," explained the 28-year-old.
"We hope to rise to the challenge. Are we a victim of our own success? Yes. The team has earned this perception and it is higher than in previous years.
"It is hard to repeat the win of 2008. All the opponents have superb teams and everyone wants to beat the world champions. By 2014 it will, God willing, be even harder."
Iniesta, who started all three of Spain's Group C games, has been capped 68 times at senior international level.
Robert Summerscales
