Two-time World Cup winners Argentina and reigning European champions Spain will be among the favourites in South Africa, but it is Spain who are turning all heads at present.

They have lost just once in their last 43 matches, achieved the rare feat of winning all of their World Cup qualifiers and have won 20 of 21 matches under Vicente del Bosque since he replaced Luis Aragones after Euro 2008.

The latest of those victories came over Argentina last night, when two goals from Xabi Alonso sealed a 2-1 friendly win in Madrid.

In contrast to Spain, Argentina have had a turbulent time of late and looked in danger of missing out on the World Cup altogether before sneaking the fourth and final automatic qualifying place in the South American zone with a 1-0 win over Uruguay.

But Tevez feels his team's performance at the Vicente Calderon stadium is cause for optimism.

"We could have won," said the Manchester City striker. "We played much better than at other times.

"Argentina are progressing and I'm sure we are going to arrive at the World Cup in good shape. The players have nothing to be jealous of Spain for."

Argentina midfielder Esteban Cambiasso added in AS: "I think that Argentina have improved in respect to the other games.

"We've shown that we deserve to be in the World Cup."