World Cup 2014 - Soldado on Spain

No surprises that Roberto Soldado picks out Spain as the team to beat at the World Cup.

The reigning champions and winners of the last three major tournaments - Euro 2008, World Cup 2010 and Euro 2012 - kick-off their campaign tonight with a mouth-watering clash against Holland in Salvador (8pm UK).

It's a re-run of the 2010 final won 1-0 by Spain in South Africa and the first match in what Roberto sees as a tough Group B.

"Yes, it’s a difficult group," said the striker capped 12 times by Spain. "On paper, Holland has a great team with some excellent players and a top manager who knows just how to handle his squad of players. They play an excellent style of football.

"It’s going to be a very close and competitive World Cup with Spain as the team to beat as they are the current holders.

"But there are some really strong sides like Germany and Holland, who I think will be there or thereabouts.

"Even though Spain are the team to beat I think that in such a massive tournament it’s very difficult to know who the eventual winners will be because Brazil are the hosts and I believe they have a lot going for them, but it won’t be that easy.

"The fact that they are playing in front of their own fans and all the pressure that team might be under, it could turn against them at any moment.

"So that’s why I’m wanting a Spanish victory and I wish them all the luck in the world. Here’s hoping they can do it!"