Spain midfielder Javi Martinez has described Sunday's Confederations Cup final against Brazil in Rio de Janiero as a dream come true after La Roja's penalty shoot-out win over Italy in the semi-finals.
"A final at the Maracana against Brazil, that was a dream of mine as a kid - now it has come true," said the Bayern Munich star after Spain won Thursday's penalty shot-out 7-6 against Italy in Fortaleza.
Martinez said he was particularly pleased to face his Brazilian Bayern team-mates Dante and Luiz Gustavo in Sunday's final.
The 24-year-old admitted he was relieved when team-mate Jesus Navas fired home the winning spot-kick as Martinez was due to take the eighth penalty in the shoot-out.
"I was due to take the next kick, so my pulse was already racing," said Martinez who came on shortly after the game went to extra-time and found himself in the unusual role of playing up front.
"The coach wanted us to put pressure on the Italian defence, so he brought me on, but it was pretty tough," explained Martinez.
But at least one person was happy about Martinez's unusual role as a forward -- his mother, Fortuna.
"She always wanted to see me play up front. Now I have been up there, she can certainly be happy at last," he quipped.
Source: AFP
