The Hindu : Sport / Football : `I don't think we are favourites'

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Thursday, Jun 22, 2006

Sport

Sport - Football

`I don't think we are favourites'

KAMEN: Two impressive wins and a huge goal difference have made Spain a realistic contender for the World Cup. Yet, star striker Fernando Torres refuses to count his team among the top candidates.

``I don't think we are favourites,'' the Atletico Madrid forward said on Wednesday. ``The favourites are the ones who have won World Cups and have more experience than we do.

``We don't have the pressure of being favourites because Spain has never won the World Cup and has never been in a final in all these years. Argentina, Germany... those are the favourites. We take it step by step and people are going to talk about us, but favourites? No.''

Spain has already advanced to the second round by crushing Ukraine 4-0 in its Group H opener and coming back from a goal down to beat Tunisia 3-1.

Coach Luis Aragones has said he will rest his top players in the final group match against Saudi Arabia on Friday, giving the substitutes a chance to shine. — AP

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Sport