No complacency as Muniain targets Ukraine win

Spain require just a point against Ukraine in Herning to secure their progress to the UEFA European Under-21 Championship semi-finals but Iker Muniain has set his sights on taking all three.

Although Luis Milla's Group B leaders enter the contest with four points, so tight is the section that defeat by bottom-placed Ukraine could actually dump them out of the competition. Left-winger Muniain, who started Spain's victory over the Czech Republic having watched their draw with England from the bench, appreciates that Ukraine have their backs to the wall yet believes the Spanish are on course to travel far in Denmark – provided they avoid complacency.

"If we continue on the same track as against Czech Republic, I am sure we will go a long way in this tournament," said the 18-year-old. "We've taken a big step. Now a draw against Ukraine will be fine for us, we're aware of that, but we're not going to let it influence us – we'll be going for the win. If we can progress with seven points, that's better than five."

Muniain, who has scored nine goals in 61 Liga appearances for Athletic Club over the last two seasons, brings speed and directness to a Spain side with plenty of talent in attack but a solid defence too. Emulating the senior Spanish squad's European conquest may be their ultimate goal here but first things first, as the youngster stressed.

"We're an ambitious team that likes to win, we'll be going out for the victory," he repeated of Sunday's game. "We don't mind who we face in the semi-finals, the important thing now is the Ukraine match. Our first objective is qualifying for the Olympics."

Alberto Botía, the Real Sporting de Gijón centre-back, reiterated his team-mate's message when he said: "Ukraine have come to the EURO to try and achieve something and the game against Spain is one last opportunity for them to qualify. We're not qualified yet either and that's why we need the points."

Ukraine recovered from an opening loss to the Czechs by holding England. That was a step in the right direction for Pavlo Yakovenko's men but Botía says Spain are progressing too. "We're getting better with each game and the Ukraine match is another chance to keep improving and make sure we'll go into the semi-finals feeling confident."