Spain coach delivers World Cup warning

Fortune may have smiled on Spain in last week’s World Cup draw but coach Vicente del Bosque warned Wednesday that “it will not be easy” for the European Champions to get beyond the first round.

Spain, one of the favourites heading into the 2010 finals in South Africa between June 11 and July 11, were drawn against Chile, Honduras and Switzerland in Group H.

“It’s not a group to complain about, neither is it one to be euphoric about. Switzerland and Chile are numbers 17 and 18 in the FIFA rankings and are not very far from the best,” the coach told reporters when asked about the draw.

“Honduras, according to my sources, are also very strong. It will not be easy,” he added.

Spain climbed back to the top of the FIFA world rankings last month displacing Brazil who had led since July following exhibition wins over fellow World Cup qualifier Argentina and Austria.

They booked their place in South Africa with two matches to spare and went on to win all 10 qualifiers.

Spain have never won a World Cup before. They were favourites in 2006 but were eliminated by France in the second round.