Even Brazil wouldn’t want to face Spain in World Cup round of 16 – Sporting Clube coach Oscar Bruzon

The 2014 FIFA World Cup has the possibility of a showdown between world champions Spain and hosts Brazil in the round of 16. That will happen if both teams don’t top their respective groups and thus one of the favourites could get eliminated earlier than expected.

Most Spain fans wouldn’t want that scenario of facing Brazil so early in the competition but Sporting Clube’s Spanish head coach Oscar Bruzon believes the players and followers of the Selecao will have a similar concern.

“Brazil would also not like to play with Spain so soon,” Oscar told Sportskeeda during an exclusive chat.

The 37-year-old first watched the World Cup when it was held in his home country back in 1982 but he can only remember incidents starting from the 1986 edition in Mexico.

“My first World Cup memory was the goal that Spain’s Michel scored against Brazil in the group stage of 1986 World Cup. The ball had crossed the line but it was controversially disallowed (Brazil went on to win the match 1-0),” Bruzon recalled.

Spain were the underachievers when Bruzon was growing up but things have changed now as they are the most successful national team in the last six years, winning two European championships and the World Cup.

Hence Bruzon believes that the current Spain side are already one of the best in history even if they don’t retain the World Cup trophy.

“Spain can be already proud of winning back to back Euro Cups in 2008 and 2012 and the 2010 World Cup. Winning three major titles in a row is something absolutely difficult for any national team. Undoubtedly lifting the 2010 World Cup in South Africa was the best moment for the team and every Spaniard,” he said.

The world champions are in a difficult group alongside 2010 runners-up Netherlands, the highly-rated Chile side and the unpredictable Australia outfit. Bruzon expects a tough group stage for Spain but is convinced that their quality will be decisive.

“In the last World Cup Spain lost their first game against Switzerland and after that they won all the remaining games. In a group of four teams any mistake can send you back home. Chile and Netherlands are very tough opponents and the group phase will be very demanding for Spain. But I am confident that Spain will be at their very best from the very first game,” Bruzon opined.

Bruzon commented that the starting eleven for the first game against the Netherlands on June 13 will depend on the fitness of the players and he also picked out the key personnel.

“The first eleven will depend on how the players finished the season as many of them are recovering from injuries and some others did not finish the season that well. The key players will be Gerard Pique, Sergio Ramos, Xabi Alonso, Pedro, Andres Iniesta and Diego Costa,” he said.

Besides Spain, Bruzon is also looking forward to watching the likes of Brazil, Germany, Netherlands, Italy and Argentina. He considers Belgium, Colombia, and Ivory Coast as the underdogs.

He picked a Spaniard for the Golden Ball award but it was not an expected name.

“Golden Ball for Sergio Ramos as he has had a great season for Real Madrid and he will have an important part to play in Spain’s success also. For Golden Boot my choice is Luis Suarez. He has played an exceptional season for Liverpool and it’s time for an alternative to Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi,” he concluded.