Former Real Madrid defender Michel Salgado has said Spain will find it difficult to retain the World Cup trophy they won four years ago, and has tipped hosts Brazil to lift the cup.
Spain go into the tournament as one of the heavyweights, having dominated world football for the last six years. They have won the last three tournaments they play taken part in, two European Championships, with a World Cup sandwiched between them.
But speaking at a five-a-side event in Dubai, right-back Salgado said the core of the team has played so much football over the past few years that they will eventually run out of steam.
Real Madrid goalkeeper and Spain’s number one Iker Casillas has lost his place at club level, Fernando Torres looks a shadow of his former self, and Xavi Hernandez has been showing signs of wear and tear this season.
“The major problems are the key players are getting older and the amount of games they have played in the last six or seven years. What they have done is unbelievable; historical for our country. It’s a generation that we will always remember and these players need a big farewell from football,” Salgado said.
