Although no Spanish side has ever reached a World Cup final, the current European champions have recorded 40 victories - including two after extra-time - and suffered only one defeat in their last 43 fixtures.

Nevertheless, Barcelona ace Xavi, who is expected to line up in his side's friendly against Austria in Vienna tomorrow, is uneasy about being billed as favourites.

"This World Cup arrives at a good time for our generation. But we must go there with both humility and the need to work hard," he said.

"I don't like at all this tag of favourites that some are freely hanging on us. We are champions of Europe, we are playing good football, but we still don't have this something 'extra' of teams such as Argentina, Germany, Italy or Brazil, this winner gene."

Austria coach Didi Constantini, though, does not share Xavi's concerns.

"Spain are a world-class team and, in my opinion, the best national team in the world together with Argentina and Brazil," he said.

"We will have to see if we can hold our own against them and do as well as we possibly can."

Holland line up against Paraguay in Heerenveen tomorrow without both striker Robin van Persie and midfielder Wesley Sneijder.

Van Persie has been ruled out for six weeks after suffering an ankle injury against Italy on Saturday, while Inter Milan's Sneijder has a thigh injury that should pave the way for Otman Bakkal's Oranje debut.

Although Italy'sGiorgio Chiellini was absolved of any blame by van Persie for the tackle that put him on the sidelines, Liverpool's Dirk Kuyt was critical of the Azzurri's physical approach.

"We played a friendly against a big country and, if you see the way they kicked us, it's very sad, very sad for the Dutch team and also very sad for Robin because he was in great form," said Kuyt.

Philipp Lahm will lead Germany for the first time in tomorrow night's friendly international against the Ivory Coast at Gelsenkirchen's Arena AufSchalke - the team's first outing since Robert Enke's death.

The Bayern Munich full-back will wear the captain's armband as regular skipper Michael Ballack has been ruled out with a knee injury.

"Lahm has worked his way into a leading position in recent years and will deputise for Ballack as captain," Germany's general manager Oliver Bierhoff confirmed today.

"This will certainly be a particularly special moment for him."

Ivorian striker Didier Drogba is expected to miss out with a rib complaint, while Salomon Kalou and Abdoulaye Meite may be left out after an altercation in the 3-0 win over Guinea on Saturday.

Italy welcome Sweden to Cesena, with World Cup hopeful Giampaolo Pazzini looking to make up for lost time.

The Sampdoria striker's chances of going to South Africa with the Azzurri were damaged when he was sent off only four minutes into the Italians' qualifier against Ireland in April, which ended in a 1-1 draw.

"That sending-off against Ireland cost me a lot," said Pazzini.

"I am in debt because, without that red card, I would have had more possibilities to play with the Azzurri.

"I have to think of playing well and scoring to earn a place. There is a lot of competition and there are only several months left to prove that I deserve a place in the squad."

Opponents Sweden begin life under newly-installed head coach Erik Hamren.

Hamren has replaced Lars Lagerback, who resigned last month after Sweden failed to qualify for the World Cup.

Star striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic is missing with a thigh injury, amid reports he is considering his future at international level.

Reflecting on the Barcelona's man's absence, Hamren said: "As a manager, it is important that players have the motivation to play.

"For me, the most important thing is that you have your heart in what you do."