MADRID (AP) — Spain wants to follow up its European Championship victory with soccer gold at the London Olympics.
The World Cup champions won an unprecedented third straight major title when they became the first team to retain the European Championship with a 4-0 victory over Italy on Sunday.
That triumph in Kiev, Ukraine is providing extra motivation for the Olympic squad.
Spain forward Iker Muniain says “it would be nice to (win the games) after all they have achieved. We’re starting an adventure that we’re very motivated to get started on and finish with a medal.”
The Spanish federation says Real Sociedad midfielder Asier Illarramendi will replace injured Barcelona player Thiago Alcantara for the games.
