Xabi Alonso believes that Spain's performance against Italy in the Euro 2012 final has silenced their critics.
Spain midfielder is pleased with record-breaking run
Xabi Alonso believes that Spain's performance against Italy in the Euro 2012 final has silenced their critics and insists that he and his team-mates are hungry for more success.
Spain won their third major international trophy this month when they won 4-0 against their arch-rivals Italy to lift the European Championship for the second time in a row.
Two years ago La Roja emerged triumphant at the World Cup in South Africa, but had to face criticism at the start of their Euro 2012 campaign with some suggesting that their tiki-taka football is 'boring'.
However, Alonso says that all along their critics were wrong and is glad that Spain's display against the Azzurri in the tournament finale has made them quiet.
"We heard the criticism and we saw what was written," said the Real Madrid star.
"That happens. Now they will have a different opinion."
Basking in glory
Alonso also insists that Spain are not done winning silverware despite creating history by becoming the first team to win three major international competitions in a row.
"We don't feel we have an obligation to keep winning trophies but we also knew what was expected of us," said the 30-year-old.
"Maybe four years ago we enjoyed it more because it was the first time.
"Now it will take time for it to sink in.
"It is not the time to think about the future. We can do that in the months ahead.
"But it does not feel like the end of anything."
