adminMADRID. — Spain will rightly take their place among the top eight seeded sides for tomorrow’s World Cup soccer draw in the Brazilian city of Salvador having won an unprecedented three consecutive major tournaments.
However, in contrast to the build up to their recent triumphs, doubts surround the number one ranked side in the world’s chances of retaining the trophy they won for the first time in South Africa three-and-a-half years ago.
Whilst a series of unconvincing friendly results is nothing new during Vicente del Bosque’s five-year spell in charge, it is La Roja’s lacklustre performances in a number of recent competitive games that have caused concern.
Spain were made to look bedraggled by an energetic young Brazil side roared on by a fervent home crowd in a 3-0 win for the hosts at the Confederations Cup in June.
Whilst the pre-cursor to the main event isn’t always a reliable gage – Spain were beaten by the United States in the 2009 Confederations Cup before returning to triumph in South Africa a year later – it was an insight as to just how tough it will be knock off Luiz Felipe Scolari’s Selecao on home soil. — AFP.
Online Reporter