Marcelo: Spain above the rest

Brazilian defender Marcelo has admitted that Spain are ‘a level above the rest’ for next summer’s World Cup.

La Roja were paired alongside Holland, Chile and Australia for the tournament in South America next year.

And the Selecao international has conceded that Vicente del Bosque’s men are the ones to beat.

“Spain are the best team in the world, they are a level above everyone else,” he told a Press conference.

“We have a lot of respect for them but we don’t see them as our only rival, there are lots of other very good teams at the tournament, they aren’t a direct rival for us.”

The Real Madrid man then commented on Brazil’s group, which sees them play Croatia, Cameroon and Mexico.

“We aren’t in the Group of Death but it’s not easy either, we have to interpret the competition well and make a good start. And it’s going to be a great pleasure to play against Lukita (Modric).”

Click here to see the full World Cup 2014 group stage and fixtures.