The Chelsea attacker was pleased at being part of the historic Spanish team as he added European Championship honours to his 2010 FIFA World Cup winners’ medal.
Spain took on the challenge of Italy in Euro 2012 final with three English Premier League players hitting the back of the net. David Silva, Fernando Torres and Juan Mata scored for La Roja with Jordi Alba being the only player from the Primera Division to score in the 4-0 rout.
Juan Mata took out time to talk about Spain’s successful title defence, stating that he already has his eyes set for the Brazil hosted World Cup in 2014. He stated that Spanish players need to relish the current moments but cannot lose sight of what the future holds.
"Now it is time to enjoy but hopefully we can repeat this [triumph] in Brazil," Mata told Goal.com.
While reflecting on his goal scoring antics in the final, Juan Mata stated that he is pleased with the chance that was given to him and happy that his introduction paid dividends for Spain.
Continuing on the topic, he commented that he cannot ask for more and hailed his international teammates for such an emphatic performance in the European showpiece event’s final.
Mata pointed towards Spain’s four goals that did not get a reply from the Azzurri, stating that the unusual result occurred because of Thiago Motta’s injury. However, he added that Spain were in great form in the final and could have gotten a similar result anyway.
"I cannot explain how happy I am for winning the Euros and scoring a goal in the final, I cannot ask for anything more.”
"We are particularly pleased because we played really well and scored many goals, which is unusual in a final. We also benefited that they went one man down after Thiago Motta's injury, but we were great in general.”
In the first match in a long time, Spain did not have the lion’s share of possession and also trailed in attempts on goal. La Roja have to wait until Motta being stretchered off the pitch to return to their ball hogging.
Mata claimed that Italy’s attacking tactics with greater ball possession allowed them to make full use of the spaces produced which directly resulted in their goals.
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