'All-conquering France' not worrying Adriana

A scorer of 27 goals in 34 international appearances, Spain striker Adriana is one of the more outspoken and influential voices within Ignacio Quereda's squad.

After La Roja's 3-2 victory against England in their opening UEFA Women's EURO 2013 Group C fixture, the Western New York Flash player spoke to UEFA.com about that rollercoaster evening in Linkoping, her pride at representing her country and Monday's meeting with tournament favourites France.

UEFA.com: What were the emotions like in the game against England?

Adriana: Perhaps we weren't as nervous as we were in the play-off against Scotland because we knew we had more games to come and could therefore still achieve the points we needed to get through. Having said that, those last few minutes were the stuff of heart attacks.

UEFA.com: How did Spain manage to win in the end?

Adriana: Our mentality changed some time ago. Mentally we are a lot stronger, while luck is also on our side. We are a very mentally strong team and that meant we pushed right until the end. We started the match very well and were eager to win. That ambition is what brought us the victory.

UEFA.com: How are you going to approach your next game against one of the tournament favourites, France?

Adriana: With a lot of hope and expectation, especially after how we managed to beat England. We are now used to encountering some difficulties but coming out on top in the end. We are aware that France are a superior side while England and Russia are more on a par with us. France are at a different level these days, but we are hopeful and are looking forward to the game. We'll be going for the win.

UEFA.com: What type of France side do you expect to encounter on Monday?

Adriana: We are going to come up against the all-conquering France team – they are very strong. As we enjoy watching football as well as playing it, we have been following their games and we know we're facing a very tricky task. They are physically very strong, but we are technically good. I don't know how the game will pan out, but we will play our style and will not be playing for a draw or looking to hold what we have. We'll be going for it.

UEFA.com: Who are the standout players in Bruno Bini's team?

Adriana: Fortunately, the best of the lot [Sonia Bompastor] retired recently. However, those who followed her are very good. They can count on the likes of Camille Abily, who I am really impressed with. That said, I would pick the group as a whole as opposed to individual talent; they are strong collectively.

UEFA.com: What does it mean to form part of this Spain team and to be in the final phase of a UEFA Women's EURO?

Adriana: It's the greatest thing. The best thing that can happen to a player is to play in a EURO and defend your nation's colours. It represents a feeling of great pride. I am really happy to be here and am filled with the dreams that any player would have. It's a dream for me and all of the girls to be competing here.

UEFA.com: Like Verónica Boquete and Jennifer Hermoso, you play your club football outside Spain. Do you think that brings something extra to the team?

Adriana: Leagues like the Swedish or American ones are very physical and so the work that you put in on the domestic front and the experience you gain really helps in a tournament like this. Prior to the game against England, myself and Vero told our team-mates to be calm and that we had to play as we knew how. We said we could do things that other teams can't and that we had to play as we did in the friendly games leading up to these finals.

UEFA.com: Finally, what message would you give to the Spain fans?

Adriana: Firstly, I would say thanks so much. On Friday we received a lot of messages of support from everyone who was following the game. I was really surprised. I hope this will continue now that we are giving our all for our country. I hope they will continue to support us and get to know Spanish women's football a little more.