Source: Telegraph
World Cup 2010: Spain could crack under pressure, says Wigan's Roberto MartÃnez
As reigning European champions and as the new world No 1 team in the Fifa rankings, Spain are rightly being lauded as potential winners of World Cup 2010. [LNB]However, Spain's World Cup record is appalling, earning them the reputation of underachievers as they have never progressed beyond the quarter-finals since finishing fourth in 1950. [LNB] Related ArticlesWorld Cup 2010 draw: all you need to knowFernando Torres in picturesFernando Torres exclusiveSpain team at World Cup 2010Fernando Torres: Spain star playerSpain in picturesAssessing the tournament, Martínez said: "I feel the World Cup is more open than people think. [LNB]"First and foremost I'm looking at teams that haven't been given much respect like Serbia and Slovakia, who had great qualifying campaigns. [LNB]"You look at the African teams playing in South Africa, who will have a little extra boost, a little extra confidence, a little bit of a feel that they're playing at home. [LNB]"Then you look at Brazil and Argentina, the latter I believe has the best squad of players in world football, but as a team they have not clicked yet."[LNB]Looking at his fellow countrymen, who enjoyed a perfect qualifying tournament in winning all 10 games, Martínez added: "I believe the expectations are going to put us under massive, massive pressure. [LNB]"Yes, we've a great formula football-wise, they're different to anyone else, and we've very talented players. [LNB]"But it's the first time they're going to the World Cup with the favourites label attached to them, and mentally that is going to be very, very tough to handle." [LNB]
