Wigan manager Roberto Martinez is refusing to listen to any criticism of his home nation Spain ahead of Sunday's Euro 2012 final clash with Italy.

Spain stand on the verge of a historic third straight major trophy - they won Euro 2008 and the World Cup in 2010 - but incredibly have been criticised for their footballing philosophy.

Vincente del Bosque's Euro 2012 squad have been branded by some as 'boring' for the way they keep the ball without creating as many chances as previous Spain sides in the past.

In fact, Spain have opted to play some games without a striker at times with midfielder Cesc Fabregas deployed as the furthest man forward.

However, Martinez finds the debate laughable.

"The criticism shouldn't be about Spain - it should be about the teams they play against," he told The Sun.

"People don't realise that it is all about stopping Spain. That's a compliment to them.

"But if you look through history, the hardest habit in football is to win when you are expected to win.

"We have seen that with them over three tournaments. Once you get into a special status, the opposition can try anything they want to beat you.

"Whatever nation you are, you are allowed to have 11 players behind the ball, you are allowed to defend in your own box, you're allowed to not create anything. And that is when Spain comes into a different level, by winning."

Martinez did concede though that Spain were perhaps not the better side during their goalless semi-final draw against Portugal - the defending champions only sneaking through to the final via a 4-2 win on penalties.

"Yes, in the semi-final, Portugal were a better side. But, even then, Spain never made the wrong decisions, they never left themselves exposed," he said.

"They kept a fantastic shape and they gave themselves the chance to win. Portugal played as well as they can - and still lost."

Martinez added: "What you need to understand is that Spain has got a real strong philosophy.

"That philosophy is how they keep the ball. How they are patient, how they play from the back and expose teams, how they defend.

"They are not worse than 2008, they are better. It was easier to beat them in 2008. They are mature, they don't get exposed."

Spain came into the Euro 2012 tournament without their all-time leading goal scorer David Villa.