World Cup News / Jamie "The Pacman" Pacheco / 05 July 2010 / Leave a comment Free £25 Bet

Ahead of Spain's mammoth semi-final against Germany, Betfair caught up with former Real Madrid and Spain goalkeeper Santiago Canizares to ask him about Spain's chances, why the likes of Rooney and Messi flopped and just what's up with Fernando Torres....

"We’ve finally made it past the quarters after failing at this stage in the past and I can’t ever remember seeing a Spain side this strong so yes, maybe it is now or never."

Spain haven't been quite performing to the level most would have expected but they're in the semis nonetheless. What have you made of them so far?

That's right, they've been far from their best. Especially when you consider they're the reigning European champions and that a handful of their players are the very best in the world in their respective positions. The quality and talent throughout the team has seen them get this far but we're yet to see them perform like we all know they can.

Who have been their key players?

David Villa has without a doubt been Spain's most important player. He's been the difference between Spain and the sides they've beaten to get this far. His finishing has been superb and that's a priceless asset to have when so many teams have set themselves up so defensively.

Germany beat Argentina by four clear goals. Is there a chance that Spain could suffer similar humiliation?

I think there will definitely be goals in the match because they're both attacking sides; it's a match I'm really looking forward to. But no, I don't think either side is capable of playing to such an outrageously high level that they will win that comfortably. Quite the opposite, I think it will be a very close match because they're currently playing to a very similar standard.

Your debut for Spain back in 1993 was instrumental in getting the side to the 1994 World Cup. With Miroslav Klose in the form he's in, is it a case of praying for Saint Iker (Casillas) to be at his best?

Casillas had a super game against Paraguay but it's not just about him being at his best against Germany. The whole defence will have to play well both individually and as a unit. Let's hope they do.

This is the first World Cup that Spain have a real chance of winning and let's not forget they were the pre-tournament favourites. Given this is meant to be Spain's "Golden Generation", is it a case of now or never?

Without doubt this is our best-ever chance and we need to make the most of it. We've finally made it past the quarters after failing at this stage in the past and I can't ever remember seeing a Spain side this strong. So yes, maybe it is now or never.

Stars like Ronaldo, Messi and Rooney were way below their best at the World Cup. How do you explain that?

You only get to play a few matches at the World Cup so it's hard to make an impact, however good you are. Plus, players don't spend nearly as much time with their national side as they do with their club team which always makes it tougher to shine at a World Cup.

What's up with Fernando Torres?

It's like I say, players spend less time with their national sides so have less time to get used to playing within a particular system. Then there's the small matter of the fact he had a major operation just before the tournament so it's hardly surprising that he's not at his best. But his quality is unquestionable.

Who's your money on for this match?

Spain. Though I think this will be a close match between two fine sides. Unlike some other teams, Germany will be really positive and attack from the word go. That might make it easier for Spain to score than against some of their previous opponents though of course it might be a lot more difficult to defend against them too.

Who's your tip for top scorer?

I'd love it to be David Villa - I've praised him plenty already in this interview. But you can't discount that man Klose. His record in World Cups is incredible and his experience is invaluable. But I'm going to go with Villa.

Tags: David Villa, Santiago Canizares, Spain goalkeepers, Spain players, Spain v Germany, World Cup bets