Netherlands attacking midfielder Rafael Van der Vaart has declared that he expects Spain, Argentina and Brazil to be in contention for World Cup honours at next year's finals in South Africa.
The 26-year-old Dutch star, who is currently enjoying a new lease of life with Real Madrid, also joked that Spain were "lucky" to claim the Euroepan champions crown in 2008, after Holland were eliminated from the competition at the quarter final stages by Russia.
"Spain is a very good team but the World Cup is different. At Euro [2008] they were lucky because the Netherlands had a bad day against Russia," he said, according to Marca.
Van der Vaart was also quick to play down his own sides chances, despite Netherlands qualifying with a perfect record in similar style to La Furia Roja.
"Spain is one of the favourites along with Argentina and Brazil," he noted.
The 26-year-old Dutch star, who is currently enjoying a new lease of life with Real Madrid, also joked that Spain were "lucky" to claim the Euroepan champions crown in 2008, after Holland were eliminated from the competition at the quarter final stages by Russia.
"Spain is a very good team but the World Cup is different. At Euro [2008] they were lucky because the Netherlands had a bad day against Russia," he said, according to Marca.
"Spain is one of the favourites along with Argentina and Brazil," he noted.
