World Cup 2010 / Ralph Ellis / 16 September 2009 / Leave a comment

Like England, Spain have booked their place at the World Cup with a 100% record in qualifying but, unlike England, they have proved that they know how to win international tournaments. Ralph Ellis wonders if England-backers are getting a little carried away...

"England were matched at [14.5] early in the qualifying tournament, and were still trading at [10.0] a couple of months ago. Now they are in to [7.4] and by the time the World Cup kicks off next summer the wild optimism will have knocked at least another point off that."

It's seven days now since Fabio Capello's side thrashed Croatia to book the tickets to South Africa, and already you can see the hype beginning to build. The sports shops have started ordering their shirts, the brewers plotting their summer promotions, and the Cross of St George flag makers are signing up for overtime.

John Terry was the first to make pronouncements that "we can win it". And blow me, that was actually a month before last week's Wembley win. You can be sure he won't be the last to talk in those terms. Even Fabio Capello has hinted he thinks he could lift the trophy.

Betfair's steely-eyed, dispassionate punters have got caught up in the excitement too. Capello's team were matched at [14.5] early in the qualifying tournament, and were still trading at [10.0] a couple of months ago. Now they are in to [7.4] and you can be sure that by the time the World Cup actually kicks off next summer the wild optimism will have knocked at least another point off that.

Eight wins out of eight in their qualifying group, of course, justifies some of the feelgood factor. But pause a moment this morning and consider that there is another country which has already booked their place with a 100 per cent record. What's more these are the reigning European Champions with their own "golden generation" of players. Spain, the serial under achievers of World football, finally caught up with their potential in Austria and have got the winning habit.

It's a point made today by their Barcelona midfield maestro Xavi. He's been joining the praise for England's chances on the eve of his club's Champions League tie at Inter Milan, before quietly reinforcing Spain's status as joint favourites with Brazil. "We have a superb generation of players," he says, thinking of the likes of Torres, Villa, Iniesta and Xavi Alonso. "We have become a winning team that is very competitive at the world level and we have a great chance and that fills us with excitement."

If you want proof of their potential, just consider that any team which Cesc Fabregas can't get into on a regular basis has to be a bit tasty. But the most essential aspect is they have now learned how to win, and will go on to the field with the confidence and mental strength that brings.

Spain are [6.0] to echo the 2000 achievement of France by holding both the European Championship and World Cup at the same time. They also boast the best club side in Europe and Xavi's side are justifiably [5.1] favourites to retain the trophy they so brilliantly won in Rome at the end of last season. For good measure you can back Barca at a generous [2.6] to win in the San Siro tonight.

Five things you might not know about Xavi Hernandez

1. Born in Terrassa, 15 miles north of Barcelona, he's the outstanding product of the Nou Camp's nursery system. He was paid 24 Euros when he first joined the club aged 11, and spent the money to buy his Mum a toaster

2. He still lives at the family home with his two brothers and one sister, and has some of his medals on display in his bedroom

3. He was just 18 when he scored on his debut for Barca's first team in the 1998 Super Cup final against Real Mallorca

4. He was the first player Chelsea tried - and failed - to sign when Roman Abramovich took over, and he's admitted that "a member of Mr Ferguson's family" approached him about joining Manchester United.

5. His current contract runs until 2014, giving him plenty of time to play the 80 games he needs to overhaul Migueli's club record 548 appearances

Tags: Barcelona, Cesc Fabregas, Champions League football betting, England, Fabio Capello, Inter Milan, John Terry, Spain, World Cup 2010, Xavi Hernandez