Former Real Madrid defender Michel Salgado feels that it will be extremely difficult for Spain to win successive World Cup’s and has tipped either Brazil or Argentina to emerge victorious this summer.
Spain enter the tournament having dominated world and European football for the last six years, yet there is a feeling that the side which seemed virtually untouchable may suddenly be vulnerable.
The core of the squad that won the European Championship on two occasions, and the World Cup in 2010, still remains intact but there are question marks over whether the players of this generation will have the same influence in Brazil.
Long-time captain Iker Casillas has become second choice at Real Madrid in the league; Fernando Torres has looked a pale shade of the player he once was, while even the mercurial Xavi struggled at times last season for Barcelona.
And Salgao believes that their era of dominance may have taken its toll on Vicente del Bosque’s side.
“The major problems are the key players are getting older and the amount of games they have played in the last six or seven years,” explained Salgado at an event in Dubai to launch the Football Five’s World Championship.
“What they have done is unbelievable; historical for our country. It’s a generation that we will always remember and these players need a big farewell from football.”
Salgado does still believe that Spain, along with Germany, can win the tournament but he feels as though a South American country will be crowned champions in Brazil.
“No European team has ever won a World Cup in South America, but of course there is always a first time and hopefully it will be this time,” continued Salgado.
“But all the pressure is on us (Spain) and it’s not easy to beat a South American team in South America. They will do anything they can to beat you, whether it’s to do with the pitch or even the dressing room. “But my favourites are definitely Brazil and Argentina.”
Even if Spain’s momentous run of success does come to an end this summer, Salgado believes that we have not seen the end of his country as a major force in world football.
Spain had traditionally stumbled at the final hurdle in major competitions, despite often having a squad brimming with talent.
Salgado, however, feels the new breed of Spanish footballer is mentally stronger due to the exploits of Casillas and Co.
“When I was playing there was always a wall when it came to the quarter-finals and mentally it was tough to overcome,” the 38-year-old explained. “All the players that will progress to play with the national team in the future will have more confidence than we had before.
“We have a lot of good players coming through the youth teams, and we are the reigning European Under-21 champions, so I’m sure they will continue to play the football we have enjoyed for so many years.”
So while Salgado suggests the World Cup may be beyond Spain this year, there is an ominous warning that La Furia Roja will reign once again.
