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Xavi: Spain can beat any opponent

Comment: 0 November 10th, 2011 by: admin

SPAIN midfielder Xavi recently commented that while England are one of the best teams in the world, Spain are well-equipped to run over any rival.

Leading up to the much-anticipated friendly competition between the two national teams, the Barcelona FC player stated that Spain’s style of play would be a significant factor for their success over England on Saturday.

‘It’s not easy and we know we’re in London for a hard test against a very strong opponent,’ Xavi said.  ‘But I’m optimistic. We believe that with our style, we can beat any rival.’

Set in Wembley, the match will return Xavi to the arena where he and his Barca teammates claimed their Champions League victory against English team Manchester United earlier this year.

‘For me, Wembley will always be special,’ he said, as quoted by Mirror Football.  ‘I remember it with great affection and to return to this stadium will be beautiful.’

As it currently stands, Spain are at the top of FIFA’s country rankings, while England are at seventh place.  And according to the Barca midfielder, the upcoming match is considered a significant faceoff.

‘This isn’t a simple friendly match but a prestige match,’ Xavi said.  ‘We’re the World Cup champions and England are a big team. Our challenge is to offer a good image and to win.

‘From our success at the World Cup we’re expected to show that same level in every match. That brings its own pressure.’

Xavi continued that facing the English team, currently under the coaching of Fabio Capello, would in fact be challenging opponents, and are the constant favourites in almost every match.

‘In any competition, in the World Cup or in the Euros, England are always among the favourites for the title,’ he said.

‘At Euro 2012 people think they will have a chance to win.  The English are difficult opponents. So Saturday will be a unique match for us. A hard test.’

Furthering, Xavi described England as a dangerous squad that remain a constant threat to anyone who comes across them.

The midfielder’s statements, however, fall contrast to general opinion, which sees Spain having a massive upper hand.  Composed of the likes of Xavi, Cesc Fabregas, David Villa and Andres Iniesta, Spain will face an English team hobbling from the absence of key players including Wayne Rooney, John Terry and Steven Gerrard.

‘I know England have important players missing and that’s a setback for them,’ Xavi addressed.  ‘But I don’t think it means they are less powerful.  They are still one of the best teams in the world.’

He added that despite England coming without star striker Rooney, the English Premier League demonstrates the forwards as the real threats.

‘The Premier League is one of the best leagues in the world for attacking players,’ he said.

Capello, however, sees it a bit differently, as SkySports recently quoted him saying ‘We’re playing Spain without any players!’

He added that despite this, England will do their best.

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