Spain not in 'Group of Death', insists Del Bosque
Spain coach Vicente del Bosque does not believe his country's 2014 FIFA World Cup pool can be considered the "Group of Death."
The reigning champions face a reunion with Netherlands - who they beat in the 2010 final - in Group B, and will also face Chile and Australia.
Although Del Bosque accepts Spain will need to be at their best to progress, he also feels there are tougher groups.
"It's just a draw. We can't say it's easy," he said.
"We have to define it as complicated but I don't believe this is the Group of Death. There are others very hard. But our group is difficult.
"We are going to have to be prepared from the first day. The Netherlands are going to be demanding. Australia is an unknown team, but not less tough."
Spain will become the first team to win consecutive world titles since Brazil in 1962 if they retain the trophy.
However, Del Bosque's side face a potential last-16 encounter with the hosts, and the 62-year-old is keen for his side to top Group B and avoid that scenario.
Get FourFourTwo Newsletter
The best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week.
"I imagine Brazil will be first (in their group)," he added. "So we have to look to be the first too."
‘Even though it was late in the game, the Arsenal fans started singing my name. It felt like the moment I announced myself as a professional footballer’: Ex-Gunners star recalls scoring first senior goal as a teenager at Highbury
'I started to drive myself crazy': Former Manchester United midfielder explains why it all went wrong for him under Erik ten Hag