European champions Spain arrived in Johannesburg yesterday determined to play down their tag as favorites to win the World Cup for the first time after a history of coming up short.
Vicente Del Bosque’s side, one of the contenders to win the tournament, was 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.
PHOTO: REUTERS
“We must be prudent. I see us as more as candidates to win the title rather than favorites,” Barcelona’s Xavi Hernandez said.
The Spanish could be without one of their midfield mainstays, Andres Iniesta, for Wednesday’s group opener against Switzerland as the Barcelona player suffered a bruised leg against Poland.
On the plus side, star striker Fernando Torres scored after two months out following knee surgery in April.
The squad arrived in Johannesburg yesterday morning. During the month-long tournament they will be based in Potchefstroom, about 120km southwest of Johannesburg.
Spain are in Group H and will face Honduras on June 21 in Johannesburg and Chile four days later in Pretoria.
Spanish Crown Prince Felipe and his wife Letizia will attend Spain’s first match against Switzerland in Durban, the royal palace said on Thursday.
Spanish Secretary of State for Sport Jaime Lissavetsky recognized the national team was under pressure.
“Spain is in its best ever position to win the World Cup, but the players cannot get carried way by the euphoria,” he said.
Spain hold the distinction of being the only side to ever be ranked No. 1 in the FIFA standings without winning a World Cup. Their best placing remains fourth place in 1950.
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