European champions Spain are determined to play down their tag as favourites to win the title for the first time after a history of coming up short.
Vicente Del Bosque’s side, one of the contenders to win the tournament, are upbeat following their 6-0 win over Poland on Tuesday in their final warm-up match.
But his players are keen to cool hyper-confident expectations. “We must be prudent, I see us as more as candidates to win the title rather than favourites,” said Barcelona midfielder Xavi Hernandez.
Spain could be without one of their midfield mainstays Andres Iniesta for next Wednesday’s group opener against Switzerland as the Barcelona player suffered a bruised leg during the victory against Poland.
On the plus side for the Spanish, star striker Fernando Torres scored after two months out following knee surgery in April. It was the Liverpool player’s 24th international goal.
Spain hold the distinction of being the only side to ever be ranked number one in the FIFA standings without winning a World Cup. Their best placing remains fourth place in 1950.
The country would only appear in two more World Cups until 1978, but have qualified for every tournament since then.
Spain’s secretary of state for sport Jaime Lissavetsky recognised the national team was under pressure. “Spain is in its best ever position to win the World Cup,” he said. — AFP