Albelda hopeful of Spain's World Cup chances
MADRID, Spain (AP) -Spain midfielder David Albelda said Wednesday it was time for his underachieving team to have a successful World Cup.
Spain has been eliminated in the quarterfinals in two of the last three World Cups. It was beaten on penalties by co-host South Korea four years ago and fell to Italy in the United States in 1994.
"If it's down to past history we would reach the quarterfinals, but if it's down to players we can do a little bit more. One day, we'll have to play a good tournament and get further. With the team as it is, there should be an improvement,'' the Valencia captain was quoted as saying by news agency Efe.
Spain, which also went out in the quarterfinals in 1986, had its most successful tournament in 1950, when it finished fourth.
The team plays Ukraine in its opening game on June 14. Tunisia and Saudi Arabia are also in Group H.
"All three are unknowns but they will be difficult to beat. Tunisia was African champion, Ukraine made it difficult for us in the European Championship, and while Saudi Arabia is the least known they can all give us a fright,'' Albelda said.
