Mata fears Brazil, Italy threat

Juan Mata

Juan Mata believes Brazil and Italy pose the biggest threat to Spain at next summer’s World Cup.

Vicente del Bosque’s side won its first World Cup in South Africa three years ago and will be among the favorites to lift the trophy again next year.

But with Brazil beating them in the final of the Confederations Cup over the summer and Italy regulars in the latter stages of major tournaments, Mata is wary of the difficulty Spain face in its quest to retain the trophy.

“I think it’s going to be really, really hard to win this tournament because obviously some of the countries that are going to be there are also really fighting to make it to the final,” he told Laureus.com. “For me Brazil, the hosts, have a great, great squad with young players. They beat us in the Confederations Cup last summer. Italy are also going to really fight with us for the title.”

Much is made of Spain’s technical brilliance and attractive brand of football, but former Valencia man Mata says the spirit in the squad is also key to their success.

“Talking about our national team, Spain, to be honest, it’s going to be very special for me to be there (the World Cup),” he said. “I feel so lucky to be training with such a team because we know each other really well. We know how to play because we are friends off the pitch, it’s very important.

“If you are a team that wants to win you have to be like a family. I think that’s what we are in the Spanish team.  Probably that’s one of the secrets that the Spanish have.”