Midfielder Xavi is confident that his team-mates can find their shooting boots and score the goals that will propel Spain to their first ever World Cup title (Spain 21/20 to win World Cup final).
The Spaniards take on Holland in the showpiece final on Sunday evening in Johannesburg hoping to shake off the tag as the great under-achievers in world football and back-up their success at Euro 2008.
Spain came into the tournament as favourites but doubts were cast over their title credentials when they suffered a 1-0 reverse to Switzerland in their opening group fixture.
However, they bounced back to beat Honduras and Chile and top Group H to progress to the last 16 in South Africa.
Three 1-0 victories over Portugal, Paraguay and Germany followed to set up Sunday’s showdown with the Dutch as the Spanish put in solid, if unspectacular performances.
They do possess a plethora of talented attacking players but have had to rely on a resolute defence to see them through to the final as goals have been at a premium, and Xavi hopes that things will change against the Netherlands on Sunday.
“It is clear we have not scored many goals,” he said. “But we are feeling very comfortable with the way we are playing, and we are creating plenty of opportunities. Usually when you do that, you tend to get goals.
“But we are not converting the chances to our normal percentage. Let’s see if we can lift that because it will be particularly important.”
Spain coach Vicente del Bosque has a lot to think about ahead of the match, with a striking dilemma to solve.
Liverpool forward Fernando Torres, who scored the winning goal for Spain at Euro 2008, has not really ignited at the World Cup and was dropped for the semi-final win over Germany in favour of Pedro.
But his experience may see the former Atletico Madrid man back in the fray for the final with Pedro dropping back to the bench.
Whatever side the Spanish tactician decides to put out, Xavi believes that the 2010 squad will be worthy winners of the World Cup if they can edge what looks set to be a very tight affair.
“Football around the world is very even at the moment, very balanced. It’s the minor details that can be decisive,” he added. “If there is a change in the world order I hope it’s in favour of Spain. It’s time for Spain to take its place at the top and I think this generation of players fully deserves that.”
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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.