© EuroFootball.com
Members of the Spanish national football team David Albelda and Xabi Alonso say that it is now very important for them not to start "flying in the clouds" after a 1-0 victory in the first Euro-2004 Group A match against Russia.
The only goal in that match was scored in the 60th minute by substitute Juan Carlos Valeron, helping Spain start the championship with a win.
However, Xabi Alonso, who appeared as a substitute in that match, does not overestimate the victory achieved.
"In that match, we were very focused," Alonso said. "Now the most important thing is to stay calm. There are still things we need to 'polish' before the next matches."
"We know that in the match against Greece, three points are not guaranteed for us," Alonso continued. "They played very well against Portugal and deserved the victory."
David Albelda, a defender for Valencia, agreed with his compatriot: "It was very important to start the championship with a win. You can play better or worse, but the most important thing is to win, especially after Greece defeated the Portuguese."
"Portugal's loss is beneficial for us," said Valencia's captain. "Everyone thought that we and Portugal would easily advance, but the victory of the Greeks showed that it won't be so easy."
