Spain defender Sergio Ramos is in confident mood heading into the World Cup and is keen to banish any thoughts of possible failure in South Africa.
Heading into major tournaments with high expectations is nothing new for the Spanish, but in the past they have often failed to live up to their lofty billing with a series of disappointing displays on the biggest stages.
"We shouldn't think about failure, we need to be optimistic. We must be positive and try to do a good job," said Ramos.
However, that all changed at Euro 2008 when the Spanish ended a 44-year wait to win their second international tournament, and now many are tipping the Iberian nation to add the world title to their European crown this summer.
The pressure is on the Spanish and the tag of favourites could weigh heavily on their shoulders, but Ramos is determined to keep a positive outlook.
He added: "We've got our minds set on doing what we did at the European Championships. We're really eager for everything to start and we're confident we can achieve something important."
Spain, who arrive in South Africa tomorrow, are alongside Switzerland, Chile and Honduras in Group H and they will fancy their chances of finishing top of that pool.
It could become very difficult for Vicente Del Bosque's side after that though, with a potential match-up against either Brazil, Portugal or Ivory Coast in the last 16.
Ramos preferred not to look that far ahead though, and warned against underestimating any of the teams in the group phase.
"In these types of events any team can cause a surprise," the Real Madrid man added. "We need to think about the first three games and then we'll see what happens after that. We're going there calm and relaxed and with the utmost respect for everyone."
Source: PA
