Veterans fired up, Del Bosque says

TBILISI - Reuters

Spanish playmaker Xavi Hernandez says his team is relishing the prospect of facing Brazil in the World Cup.

The chance to feature at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil is an extra motivation for Spain’s veteran players, said coach Vicente del Bosque on the eve of their first qualifying match in Georgia.

After two consecutive European titles and a World Cup triumph, Spain has eclipsed Brazil as the team to beat but the South Americans still hold a special place in the heart of most footballers.

“It’s a great incentive to be there (Brazil),” Del Bosque said yesterday. “I have complete confidence in all the players, the new and the old. For the veterans around the 30 mark I am sure it will be a motivation to make the finals.”

Barcelona playmaker Xavi, 32, was one of the footballers Del Bosque was referring to.

“The World Cup is a wonderful event and the next one is in a country with a great football tradition,” said Xavi. “This generation has never played against Brazil and this is a big motivation.”