Can Spain repeat as World Cup Champions? Brazil's Captain Thiago Silva still believes that La Furia Roja could be the top team heading into the contest.
"We don't believe we are better than them because we beat them 3-0 in a final (Confederations Cup)" said Silva, according to The Mirror. "But Brazil is still Brazil, even more so because we are playing at home."
That's right. Brazil's own captain does not even think that Brazil is a better side than Spain. Many people felt that the Spaniards' hold on World Soccer had come to an end following their loss against Brazil in the Confederations Cup final, but Silva's comments indicate that major teams still respect the defending champions.
The Spaniards enter the contest with a rather talented pool of players. The midfield, always seen as the team's greatest strength, is filled with such stars as Xavi, Andres Iniesta, Xabi Alonso, Sergio Busquets, Javi Martinez, Isco, Santi Cazorla, Juan Mata, David Silva and Jesus Navas. The defense features such stars as Gerard Pique, Sergio Ramos, Jordi Alba, Cesar Azpilicueta, Alvaro Arbeloa and Juanfran. Meanwhile, Iker Casillas and Victor Valdes are a dynamic duo in goal.
The arrival of Diego Costa should help Spain at the striker position while the likes of Alvaro Negredo and Fernando Llorente should provide the team with some depth at the position.
Spain still needs a favorable draw in the group stage to be able to defend its title. The champs are in pot one and could still wind up with a group that includes Chile, Netherlands or a plethora of other European sides (France, Portugal, Italy) that could give them headaches.
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