PM optimistic Spain will win 2010 World Cup

Spain is well positioned to win the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero said Tuesday.

“We are the champions in Europe and we have the highest expectations to be world champions,” he said at an event marking the centenary of the Spanish Football Federation.

“I want to thank you in the name of the citizens of Spain for the courage you display in defence of the colours of Spain. Beyond the results obtained, the ‘Roja’ has always conquered our hearts,” he added, using the nickname for Spain’s national team.

Gabriel Jorge Sosa, 93, and Alfredo di Stefano, 83, were amongst the oldest former players at the event which was attended by 400 current and ex-Spanish internationals.

Also in attendance were Real Madrid captain Raul and Barcelona’s Bojan Krkic, who at 19 was the youngest footballer at the event.

“It is not every day that we celebrate 100 years of a sport that sparks healthy rivalries and the attention of millions of citizens,” said Zapatero.

During the event the prime minister, a Barcelona fan, scored a penalty goal against the captain of the Spanish national team, Real keeper Iker Casillas.

Spain joined the Netherlands and England as the first European countries to qualify for the 2010 World Cup following their 3-0 win over Estonia last month that gave them an insurmountable eight-point lead in their group.

Spain face Armenia on Saturday and Bosnia four days later.