Spain

The Spanish were seen as perennial underachievers until they won the European Championships in 2008 to alleviate some of the pressure on the national side.

But the Euro 2008 victory has been quickly forgotten and the Spanish population now expect their side to go and lift the ultimate goal in football at the World Cup.

Victory in the match against Germany would book Spain a place in their first World Cup final and make the likelihood of a second major trophy in two years even more of a possibility.

Howver, Casillas is not taking anything for granted and admits his side are aware of the pressure on them.

“People are not telling us how good we were at Euro 2008,” said the keeper.

“People are saying we have to win the World Cup. The people want the World Cup.

“We know that the Germany match is the most important in our history, even more than the Euro 2008 final in Austria.

“We did not come here to finish fourth. The European Championships is in the past and was a complete success, it was fantastic.

“Everyone was flying the (Spanish) flag from the rooftops but now, from what we are seeing, this is the most important match for Spain for a very long time.”

Spent went into the tournament as outright favourites for the title and despite an early hiccup against Switzerland, look right on course to fulfil their billing despite not yet hitting the heights they reached in qualification (Spain 15/8 to win the World Cup).

However Germany are the in-form side in the championship and have impressed with their free flowing football. The Germans destroyed Diego Maradona’s Argentina 4-0 in the quarters and look a danger every time they go forward.

Spain striker Fernando Torres has so far disappointed in the tournament after coming back from knee surgery.

However, Casillas believes this has further demonstrated the strength of the Spanish squad and the importance of the team rather than the individuals.

“This shows that a national team is not at all about only one player.

“A player can win you a tournament, like Argentina and (Diego) Maradona (in Mexico in 1986).

“But today, more and more, the team is what counts. A player can perform very well but at the end of the day everything is based around teamwork.”

Bet on the World Cup and get £200. Click here to visit Bet365 and claim your free money.

Leo Messi and Xavi turned in star performances on Saturday night to claim a 4-1 win against Villareal in what looked like being a tricky fixture for Pep Guardiola’s side.

Villareal did indeed pose a threat early on with Brazilian Nilmar missing two great chances after some excellent individual skill but the truth was that Barcelona were simply too good.

As soon as Messi registered the first goal the confidence grew and Villareal were helpless against the individual quality on show in the Barcelona shirt. Xavi scored a magnificent free-kick from 30 yards out to make it 2-0 and put Barcelona on their way to an important three points in the quest for La Liga success.

Now Barcelona must take another step towards winning the league title with what should be a straight forward win at the Nou Camp against relegation threatened Tenerife tonight.

Tenerife earned themselves a life line at the weekend with a 2-1 win at home against fellow relegation fodder Racing Santander. The victory has taken them to just two points behind the three sides immediately above them. They certainly have something to play for when they travel to Camp Nou.

As far as Barcelona are concerned, they will be delighted to be playing a side they have managed to score 13 goals past – without reply – in the last three meetings. Back in October Barcelona routed Tenerife 5-0 with Messi grabbing a hat-trick. A similar score line could be on the cards this time round too.

Back Barcelona to win 4-0 which is available at 7.50

Related posts:

1. With Messi, Barcelona can snipe la Liga success with victory over Villareal
2. No change at the top as Barca, Real and Valencia all win
3. Barca Edge El Clasico To Regain Top Spot

ToteSport bookmaker will give you £60 in Free Bets. Click here to check them out.