HIERRO UP FOR A FIGHT

“Some teams park the bus in front of the goal and it’s hard to handle that situation,” Silva said. “But we need to find solutions.

“We’re trying to correct our mistakes, but sometimes it’s hard to shine because of that approach of other teams.”

Silva, 32, will earn his 125th cap for Spain today and is widely regarded as one of the most accomplished and effective playmakers in world football.

The three-time Premier League winner has come in for criticism in Russia for perceived substandard performances, but said he is used to it and takes it in his stride.

Despite scoring 35 times for Spain, Silva has yet to register in a World Cup finals, with all of his goals coming in the qualifying campaign or European Championships.

“I think a lot has been said about criticism,” said Silva, whose last international goal came back in November in a friendly against Costa Rica. “We’re professionals and we need to focus on playing games to change people’s opinions.

“This is the World Cup, there is always a rival ahead of us and quite a few teams here are having a hard time of it.

“Sometimes criticism isn’t deserved, but I have been here with the national team for 12 years and I’m used to the criticism.

“Especially in first match and in part of the second, we’ve had good games. But we need to minimise mistakes – if we hand goals to the opposition it will be difficult – the smallest mistakes here can mean you are going back home.

“I don’t give it that much thought. There is always criticism, but we try to play our best.

“Now it’s our turn and sometimes someone has to shoulder the burden.

“We had a very hard group and Russia will be just as difficult as if we had faced Brazil.” Despite their SPAIN boss Fernando Hierro has called on his side to show the character and spirit that have kept them in the World Cup.

Hierro’s side, who face hosts Russia today, have struggled so far, drawing with Portugal and Morocco while toiling to a 1-0 win over Iran.

Spain have been behind on four occasions in their three matches in Russia, and Hierro said they will need to show the same fighting qualities in Moscow’s Luzhniki Stadium today.

He said: “We’ve had to face difficult situations and have often been losing in matches here. Twice struggles here, having sacked coach Julen Lopetegui on the eve of the tournament, Silva said Spain must stick to the principles that have brought them such success, including the 2010 World Cup and 2008 and 2012 Euros.

“I think what’s taken us to our different successes is ball possession,” Silva said. “But different matches require different things and we need to know that.

“But I think our philosophy is the appropriate one and it’s the one that has taken us to so many victories.” we were losing to Portugal and managed to react, the same with Morocco. That proves we can react to this uphill battle and fight until the very last minute.

“We have a clear plan, we know what Russia represents and we know their qualities, but we have a lot of faith in our work and what we have.

“All those challenges we’ve faced, we’re going to channel them in a positive way. “We shouldn’t fear the unknown. “Football is made up of mistakes and the team that makes the fewest will probably progress.”