Villa demands Spanish humility

Star striker also targets Raul's record at international level

Last updated: 19th November 2009   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Villa demands Spanish humility

Villa: Close to goals record

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David Villa believes Spain cannot be allowed to be swept along by the level of expectation that comes with the tag of World Cup favourites.

Vincente del Bosque's side, who won Euro 2008 under former boss Luis Aragones, have been installed as the most likely to win the world finals in South Africa.

But inspirational Valencia striker Villa does not want his international team-mates to be influenced by the inevitable hype.

He said after scoring twice in Wednesday's 5-1 friendly win over Austria: "I am not preoccupied by the fact that Spain are favourites.

"Spain need to play each match with humility and produce our natural game. With those characteristics we will have a chance of achieving any aim."

Modesty

Del Bosque is also calling for modesty from Spain, who are expected to be rivalled by the likes of Brazil and England at the World Cup finals.

"We need to be cautious because our opponents are also very strong and we must be humble," he said.

"I don't want to say that we are favourites for the World Cup but we are among the contenders. Then the competition will put us in our place."

Villa's brace against Austria took the 27-year-old closer to Raul's haul of 44 international goals, and he is intent on surpassing the Spain and Real Madrid legend.

"Now I have 35 goals and the record of Raul is 44 goals," he said. "I intend to score those goals.

"It will not only be for me, but also because of the significance for the national squad as it should mean we are winning games."

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