The chance to fea

“This generation has never played against Brazil and this is a big motivation.” -Photo by Reuters

ture at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil is an extra motivation for Spain's veteran players, said coach Vicente del Bosque on the eve of their first qualifying match in Georgia.

Spain's haul of two European Championship titles and one World Cup trophy in the last four years means they have eclipsed Brazil as the team to beat but the South Americans still hold a special place in the heart of most footballers.

“It's a great incentive to be there (Brazil),” Del Bosque told a news conference on Monday.

“I have complete confidence in all the players, the new and the old. For the veterans around the 30 mark I am sure it will be a motivation to make the finals.”

Barcelona playmaker Xavi, 32, was one of the footballers Del Bosque was referring to.

“The World Cup is a wonderful event and the next one is in a country with a great football tradition,” said Xavi.

“This generation has never played against Brazil and this is a big motivation.”

Del Bosque, who took over from Luis Aragones after Spain won Euro 2008, has a 100 percent record in qualifying for major tournaments.

“Tomorrow we start the defence of the title we won in South Africa. This is how we are approaching the game,” the coach said.

“Over the last four years we have played two qualifying campaigns and we have won all 18 games. We want to continue in the same manner.”

Xavi said Spain would be taking nothing for granted in Tuesday's match.

“Being world and European champions doesn't guarantee anything,” he said.

“We have analysed Georgia and they are a tough rival.

“They defend in numbers and have quality going forward. It is being taken for granted we will be in the finals but it is going to be difficult.”

Opinion

Editorial

Dangerous law
Updated 17 May, 2024

Dangerous law

It must remember that the same law can be weaponised against it one day, just as Peca was when the PTI took power.
Uncalled for pressure
17 May, 2024

Uncalled for pressure

THE recent press conferences by Senators Faisal Vawda and Talal Chaudhry, where they demanded evidence from judges...
KP tussle
17 May, 2024

KP tussle

THE growing war of words between KP Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur and Governor Faisal Karim Kundi is affecting...
Dubai properties
Updated 16 May, 2024

Dubai properties

It is hoped that any investigation that is conducted will be fair and that no wrongdoing will be excused.
In good faith
16 May, 2024

In good faith

THE ‘P’ in PTI might as well stand for perplexing. After a constant yo-yoing around holding talks, the PTI has...
CTDs’ shortcomings
16 May, 2024

CTDs’ shortcomings

WHILE threats from terrorist groups need to be countered on the battlefield through military means, long-term ...