Xabi Alonso believes Spain have the experience required to defend the World Cup this summer.
The Real Madrid midfielder was speaking on behalf of one of La Roja’s sponsors and revealed his list of candidates to usurp Spain as world champions.
“Brazil, Germany, Argentina, Italy…historically they might have a chance but today everything is very tight and I’m not ruling out a surprise,” Marca reports Alonso as saying.
“[Spain] have to know how to manage the pressure of defending the trophy and not seize or get nervous.
“I believe this team already has enough experience and can play these championships.
“[Not getting out of the group] would be a disappointment. We have to prepare well because it’s a tough group.”
Spain’s first game sees a rematch of the 2010 final against the Netherlands, and Alonso suggested that an opening match victory would leave the Oranje in a tough spot.
“Holland are a good team with young players who have a lot of potential. We need to pay attention because we can put them in an awkward position if we win,” he continued.
“In 2010 they played with intensity and concentration that a final requires but it’s not something that scares me or makes us worried.
“It’s four years [since Spain played Chile] and everything that’s happened doesn’t have much significance as Chile are always difficult.
“We can’t forget what happened four years ago against Switzerland and every game will be difficult.
“If you’re not at your best then any team can complicate things. As always, we have maximum respect for our rivals.”
