Silva Expected To Be Pivotal For Spain

Manchester City star David Silva has claimed that he is hoping to successfully defend the World Cup title with the Spanish national team. As one of the important players for the current world champions, Silva is expected to start the first match against Netherlands. Spain go into the tournament as the defending champions after having lifted the title in South Africa. Silva comes on the back of title winning season with City. Ahead of the opening match, the 28-year-old has claimed that it will be very important that Spain get three points against Netherlands.

Since the other group opponents are not going to give in easily, any dropped points will provide the momentum to the likes of Chile and Netherlands. Australia are the final opponents and they are considered as the only easy opponent. Silva is under no illusion that defending the World Cup title will be very difficult after only Brazil have managed to do it in the long history. This time around, Spain come with a lot of major absentees like Carlos Puyol and Victor Valdes. The likes of Xavi are also approaching the end of the careers.

Silva was definitely not a first choice in the 2010 squad, but his image has been boosted immensely after two Premier league titles with City.

“We know the environment that awaits us. Now we have a base here and that’s great for us. We are ready. The first game is crucial and if we win it, it’s an important game. I feel more comfortable behind the front line. I am very good in that position. I attempt to adapt. We have very good strikers and we hope to score a lot of goals,” said the Spaniard. After the match against Netherlands, Spain take on Chile before ending the group stages against Australia.