Iker: Spain Could Miss 2014 World Cup

Spain captain Iker Casillas says it is “strange” that the world champions must qualify for the 2014 World Cup but understands why and insists they are no certainties to progress to the Brazil event.

The world and European champions begin on the road to Brazil 2014 on Tuesday away to Georgia.

“Obviously it is strange and unusual that the world champion does not have an automatic ticket for Brazil, but they decided it was better that the champion had to qualify,” Casillas said.

“It could happen that we do not reach the World Cup and it would be strange if the champions were not there to defend their title, but we are just thinking about what we are doing.

“It is for others to think if it is a good idea considering what we achieved in winning the World Cup.”

La Roja, who belted Saudi Arabia 5-0 in a friendly on Friday, are grouped alongside fellow European powerhouse France, as well as Belarus, Finland and Georgia.

He added: “We want to get our first three points, knowing that, in theory, we have games which should not bring us problems, apart from France. But we know that these are opponents who can take points off us.”