Xavi Hernandez hopes Spain get the chance to play Brazil at the World Cup and put right their Confederations Cup defeat.
In an interview with FIFA’s official website, the Barcelona midfielder admitted Brazil deserved to win the 2013 final, but is eager to get another chance to play the tournament hosts.
The draw for the competition means Spain could meet Brazil as early as the Round of 16.
“Here’s hoping! Or why not in the final?
“Obviously anything could happen, considering it’s a World Cup and the difficult group we’ve been drawn in – and their group is no breeze either.
“But football always gives you the opportunity to get revenge. Here’s hoping it’s at the World Cup and at as late a stage as possible.”
While he wants to come up against Brazil again, Xavi insists Spain aren’t looking for revenge.
“Not at all. We’re focused on the fact that we have been drawn in a really very tricky group, one of the toughest at the World Cup.
“We are going there to compete and we’re desperate to give a good account of ourselves and retain the trophy, but we are keeping our feet on the ground.
“We know how hard it is to play at the World Cup to begin with, let alone with the group we’ve been handed. It’s got to be one of the two hardest groups, if not the toughest.”
Home advantage appeared to be a factor in the Confederations Cup but Xavi believes it could also count against Brazil this year.
“Having the crowd on your side is always a good thing, but it can also be a double-edged sword.
“It can mean added pressure, which you have to handle.
“Brazil scored in the first minute and then in the last minute of the first-half, which gives you a huge boost.
“I still remember David Luiz’s clearance from Pedro’s shot, which would have levelled the scores and changed the complexion of the match.
“But that’s not to take anything away from a superb Brazil performance: they pressed us, moved the ball around well and did a good job of nullifying us by closing us down. They stopped us from playing.”
