“The 1970 side set the standard by which others are measured,” Pele told reporters.
“These comparisons will always be there, but you cannot compare them individually. But the 1970 team had better players than Spain, who have only two or three great players.”
Pouring water on the fire he started, Pele added:
“But without doubt, this Spain team plays the football that I have enjoyed watching the most over the past two generations.”
The Spaniards will forever remain in the history of world football as the first team to win three major trophies within four years. Talking to Italian media La Gazzetta dello Sport on Thursday, Xabi Alonso defended the achievement of the Spanish national team.
“We have made history because we did something unique. The future seems to be bright as well for Spain,” the midfielder declared.
“Only three of our players are older than 30. We will continue to have a great team with a few changes. It will not be easy to remain hungry for more, but we have so far succeeded in doing just that.”
Among Spain’s future superstars are new Barcelona signing Jordi Alba. La Furia Roja indeed has an array of talent thanks to the contribution of La Liga giants Barcelona and Real Madrid. The Spaniards possess so many good players that not everyone can make the cut in the national team. Concluding on the success of the Spanish national team, Xabi Alonso stated:
“The core of the team has remained the same over the past few years. We have 11 players who were there at all three tournaments, and that says a lot. Things are going well without the need to make too much of an effort, and that's a huge advantage.”
In the latest FIFA Rankings, UEFA Euro 2012 winners Spain kept their number one spot. Brazil, meanwhile, dropped out of the top 10 in what sparked controversy among fans and pundits over FIFA’s criteria.
Brazil are set to fight for their pride with the 2014 FIFA World Cup just around the corner. Meanwhile, Spain have vowed to continue on their glorious path by defending their World Cup title on Brazilian soil.
