Spain will not pay special attention to Cristiano Ronaldo, says Alonso

The midfielder, who struck twice in the quarter-final win over France, sees no reason why La Roja should tinker with their approach ahead of Wednesday`s clash with the Seleccao

Kyiv, Ukraine: Spain midfielder Xabi Alonso believes that there is no need to pay special attention to Portugal forward Cristiano Ronaldo on Wednesday.

Ronaldo had a lacklustre start to the tournament, but has bounced back in impressive style in the last two games, scoring all three of the Seleccao`s goals in the wins over Netherlands and Czech Republic. Alonso, though, believes there is no need for Vicente del Bosque`s men to become obsessed with the 27-year-old, and feels the team must defend as a unit and adapt their usual approach to the game. "We have nothing planned for Ronaldo. We always play with the same idea no matter the rival," he said at a press conference. "We can analyse things and make small adjustments, but the best way to stop players is by being together and leaving no spaces." Spain have starved their opponents of the ball to great effect but their possession-orientated style of play has come under fire, particularly from the Italian press, who have claimed that `tiki-taka` has lost its sense of adventure and is now more defensive than offensive. "That`s their opinion and just as valid as any other," Alonso said. "Whatever people say I don`t think we are going to change. "I am pretty sure that most of the fans are enjoying good football games and good football teams. I think that`s great not just for the present but also for the future of this tournament." The Basque also shrugged off the suggestion that the Spanish midfield`s `double pivot` is not working correctly and is partly to blame for the lack of incision and slow nature of their play. "Have you finished the discussion of the double pivot?" a clearly irritated Alonso asked. "The internal debate has never existed. "We are very confident and very sure of how we play. We have come very far and we will continue." Spain`s semi-final showdown with Portugal in Donetsk will get under way at 20:45CET on Wednesday. Goal.com