Chile midfielder Arturo Vidal believes Spain are stronger at this World Cup than they were four years ago in South Africa.
The South Americans meet the holders on Wednesday having also played Vicente Del Bosque’s side in the group stage in 2010.
Vidal has told a pre-match Press conference that in the intervening period since the countries last met in a competitive game, Spain have only improved.
“We have played against them several times and studied a lot of video,” AS reports the Juventus man as saying.
“The World Cup match will be different. We’ll have to be very strong.
“Are they burnt out? I don’t think so. Spain have increased in quality and have more technical players.
“If you stop to look at this Spain and the one in South Africa, I believe this is stronger.
“We’d take a draw but we’ll go out to win as always.”
Vidal was an injury doubt prior to the tournament after undergoing knee surgery but played an hour of the opening game against Australia. He believes he’ll be even closer to full fitness against Spain.
“I was overjoyed because I played more than 45 minutes. I’m ready for what comes next,” he said.
“Spain are the best team in the world right now and we have to be very strong. We like to be daring. They say we’re a suicidal team so, ok, we’re suicidal.
“I’ll try to be 100%. Physically I think I am. I feel good and I’ve tried very carefully in training. My knee has responded very well.
“Playing against Australia was my decision. As I said, I wanted to play at the World Cup even if it meant risking my knee.”
