Can Spain reclaim its World Cup crown? Midfielder Xavi recently spoke to FIFA to talk about his country's hopes.
The 34-year-old Spanish superstar is likely playing in his final tournament and has been a part of Spain's celebrated generation of players that have won the last two Euro Cups and the 2010 World Cup.
Spain's journey hit a rocky road last summer in Brazil during the Confederation's Cup when Spain lost 3-0 in the final against Brazil. Xavi noted that fatigue played a huge role in the loss for his country but also credited Brazil with playing a terrific game.
"My take is that we weren't at the races physically. The semi-final against Italy, which went to extra-time, really took its toll on us, and scoring in the first minute allowed Brazil to shake off the pressure of playing at home. It was a game in which everything went against us and they got all the breaks," he stated before giving Brazil credit for a solid performance, FIFA reported. "But credit where credit's due: Brazil played better on the day. Nevertheless, the whole experience will stand us in good stead for the World Cup. Now we've had a taste of the weather and we know what we'll be up against if we face Brazil. In my opinion, they did well to overcome the pressure of being the host nation... 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."
Spain heads into the tournament with a date against the Netherlands in the group opener; the two sides battled in the World Cup final in 2010. Xavi anticipates that match greatly and noted the irony that can often take place in the soccer arena.
He asserted that the nation was going to do all it could to take home the trophy for the second time in four years.
"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," he said. "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."
Can Spain reclaim World Cup glory in 2014?