Xavi hails club like Spain

(GSM) – Barcelona and Spain midfielder Xavi believes the bonding amongst the team members gives the national side a club like feeling.

The reigning European Champions are favourites to win the World Cup in South Africa this summer.

And their 2-0 midweek win over France further strengthened their credentials to lift the supreme trophy in world football.

The case has not gone unnoticed as Xavi has hailed his nation’s “modern” style of play, comparing it to that of Barcelona and Arsenal, who are both famed for their free-flowing attractive football.

“Our style of game is very similar to the work in Barca or Arsenal,” said Xavi. “This is modern football.

“Spain have still not found success in the World Cup but the squad is very concentrated and all the companions are in a compact group.

“In that sense, Spain appear more like a club than a national team.”

The win in the Stade de France prolonged Spain’s incredible record of 42 wins in their last 45 fixtures and that run is expected to continue this summer having been drawn in Group H with Switzerland, Honduras and Chile.

“At the minute Spain are in a good run of form and the supporters are happy with our game,” added Xavi. “I personally am happy to be in this group.

“It is important to be in the list of candidates for the title in South Africa but without confidence and a cool head it cannot be done.”

Xavi is aware of the hype Spain are generating ahead of the finals, but he is keen to remind people that Brazil and Italy still have many World Cup winners within their squads.

2002 World Cup winners Brazil are currently captained by Inter defender Lucio, who was part of the success in Japan and South Korea, while midfielders Kaka and Gilberto Silva are also medal holders.

Current holders Italy are expected to bring a host of players who were part of their successful squad in Germany 2006, and Xavi insists their knowhow could prove vital this time around.

“For me, the squads that have won the World Cup before are bigger favourites than us,” admitted Xavi. “Their history is important and other teams will have chances in this tournament.”