Fighting talk from Spain ahead of Euro 2008 clash with Russia

International football s perennial underachievers Spain are in defiant mood ahead of their Euro 2008 Group D opener against Russia in Innsbruck on Tuesday.

The talented Spaniards have earnt themselves a reputation as chokers and mentally brittle over the years after flattering to deceive time and again on the biggest stage.

But their players have been firing back with fighting talk this week and are in determined mood ahead of their clash against the unfancied Russians.

Mallorca striker Daniel Guiza insisted the team are paying no attention to their critics.

I don t care what people are saying. We have to stay calm and not listen to these commentaries, he said.

They have possibly the most talented midfield and attacking combination in the to…