SALVADOR, Brazil // Spain manager Vicente del Bosque dismissed suggestions that his side are past their prime as they attempt to win a fourth consecutive major tournament at the World Cup in Brazil.
The world champions get their campaign under way against the Netherlands tonight in Salvador in a repeat of the final from four years ago in South Africa, which was decided by Andres Iniesta’s solitary goal in extra time.
“We have a mature team and young players. We are not afraid of anything and we are in our prime,” Del Bosque said.
“I don’t have any fear for the future, either, because we have an under-21 team that are winning things and there are plenty of replacements that will ensure a bright future.”
While Del Bosque could name a side containing just one change to the side that started the European Championships final in 2012, the Netherlands are a much-changed outfit in recent years with coach Louis Van Gaal introducing a wave of young players with little experience at the international level.
Understandably, it is the experienced trio of Robin van Persie, Wesley Sneijder and Arjen Robben that concerns Del Bosque.
“A lot has changed in four years. We have had a relatively stable side since 2010, but Van Gaal has stimulated them a lot and conserved the essence of Dutch football. We know that up front, they have very dangerous players.”
Midfielder Xavi also highlighted the threat of the Dutch front three, but is hoping Spain’s normal dominance of possession will snuff out their threat.
“They have three very experienced players up front,” he said. “They will sit in and then look for very quick counter-attacks. We know Spain will have more of the ball.
“That is our style and we know we will live or die by it. Hopefully, it will allow us to make history.”
Captain Iker Casillas is also confident of becoming the first side since Brazil in 1962 to retain the World Cup.
“We will try to repeat what we did in South Africa,” Casillas said. “We have the role of favourites and we know all the other teams want to beat Spain.
“We are motivated to win a second star on our shirt for our country. Spain have been the best team in the world for the past four years and, if we have the humility and ambition that we did in South Africa, the team will have a clear chance of defending the title.”
Del Bosque said that Barcelona left-back Jordi Alba will play despite suffering from foot blisters and toothache.
That leaves the former Real Madrid manager with just one major decision over whether to start with a recognised centre-forward in Diego Costa or opt instead for Cesc Fabregas – who signed for Chelsea yesterday– as a “false nine”.
Sneijder will play just in front of midfield enforcer Nigel de Jong and Jonathan de Guzman, if fit. Ron Vlaar will lead a back line including the promising Daley Blind, son of Danny who becomes Dutch coach in 2016.
Van Persie’s form is key to Van Gaal’s plans. The captain endured a stop-start domestic campaign, though he says he is fit for the World Cup after some niggling injuries.
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