Barcelona Football Club News

• Nickname:Barça
• Founded:1899
• Manager:Josep Guardiola

• Ground:Nou Camp
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Xavi plays down favourites tag

18 Nov 2009 - 07:08:13

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Barcelona midfielder Xavi doesn't believe the Spanish national team should be the hot favourites for next year's World Cup finals, despite their excellent run of form.

Since the start of 2007, they have claimed 40 victories - including two after extra-time - and suffered just one defeat in their 43 fixtures.

But the diminutive star suggested that past winners of the coveted prize should be considered before the Spanish, whose best finish was fourth back in 1950.

Speaking to reporters, he said: "This World Cup arrives at a good time for our generation. But we must go there with both humility and the need to work hard.

"People must remember the Confederations Cup where the United States knocked us out. I don't like at all this tag of favourites that some are freely hanging on us.

"We are champions of Europe, we are playing good football, but we still don't have this something extra of teams such as Argentina, Germany, Italy or Brazil, this winner gene."