We Are Not Afraid - Del Bosque

Spain coach Vicente Del Bosque has said that his boys are not afraid of any opponent at the World Cup in Brazil.

The defending champions are optimistic that they will retain the title they won four years ago in South Africa and are happily looking forward to their Group B opener against the Netherlands whom they beat to in 2010 to win their  first ever FIFA World Cup, on Friday June 13.

''We don't have any fear. But we do have.

''They are runner-up from the last World Cup so we have full respect for Holland," Spain coach said.

''We're very optimistic after our training and two friendly matches.

"We are meeting our expectations. We are confident heading into the World Cup," added.

Del Bosque refuted claims that the injuries on some of the stars expected to grace the Brazil 2014 may detract from the World.

"A couple of world stars are not going to be at the World Cup but I don't think because of that the World Cup is going to be less attractive," he said. "That's not going to diminish the World Cup from being a great event."

For the Spanish team, coming into Brazil as defending champion brings only a sense of pride, as they have become the prime the target for 31 rival nations trying to dethrone them.

Ex-Athletico Madrid striker who is now Spain's all-time leading gaol scorer with 58 goals , was responsible for the 2-0 victory over El Salvador said concerning the status of defending champion:

''It's important but it doesn't give you any advantage or something like that.

"I'm proud of having done it and (I'm going) to work to try to repeat it," Villa said.