‘Argentina are favourites for the World Cup’

Spain coach Luis Enrique was talking to the media in his pre-match press conference ahead of Spain’s match with the Czech Republic in Malaga. During that conference, was asked who his favourite was for the World Cup. 

In reply, he said, “I’m going to take advantage of the question… Argentina.”

“A long way ahead of everyone else. And then Brazil. More than anything because otherwise a Brazilian journalist will come and say ‘you think Argentina are better than Brazil?’, because no matter what you say, it will be distorted. But they are a long, long way ahead of the rest.”

The Albiceleste lifted last year's Copa America title with a 1-0 win in the final over Brazil at the Maracana, their first major title since 1993. The Lionel Messi-led side built on that success earlier this month by claiming a 3-0 victory over Italy in Finalissima.

Spain themselves will be looking to make a significant impact at the World Cup, having exited at the group stage in 2014 and the second round in Russia. 

Their appearance in the semi-finals of the Euros sparked optimism about La Roja that had been lacking for some time, but Italy’s own failure to qualify for the World Cup should serve as a keen reminder of their mortality.