Pedri backs Spain to capitalize on near misses as Luis Enrique's men aim for World Cup glory



Pedri believes last year's near misses in the European Championship and Nations League will win Spain over in their quest to win a second World Cup this year.

The Barcelona midfielder was named the Young Player of the Tournament as Spain were overwhelmed by Italy's use in the late Euro 2020 semi-finals before La Roja suffered a defeat in the Nations League final against France last October.

While Spain have reached the last four of the World Cup only once in their last 13 appearances - when they won the match in 2010 - Pedri is optimistic about his chances of compete in Qatar.

Asked by Mundo Deportivo if Luis Enrique's side wanted to win the game, the 19-year-old replied: "Why more?

"You should be recognized on the establishment diploma first, then on subsequent rounds, but we have a team for it to compete.

"We come from a European Championship and a Nations League where we did very well. At the Euros, we reached the semi-finals, and I was sure that if we went to the final, we could win it.

"In the Nations League I may hardly ever want to play, but the team was very good. We are a superb institution and it shows on the pitch.

"We don't have fame, the organization is our big, first-rate name. When you all run together and everyone knows what they want and what you're playing for, I guess you have accomplished a lot and you have a great chance of winning.

"We are going to the World Cup together, with a lot of preference to please the fans, whether or not they help us from the country or from Qatar. Let's do everything we can."

Pedri thinks two South American sides may want to be Spain's main competition in Qatar, with the form of Paris Saint-Germain fame and Barca legend Lionel Messi likely to be important for any challenge from Argentina.

"I guess Brazil and Argentina have two great teams," Pedri said. "Brazil because they have outstanding first-class players and Argentina because they have quality players, and I guess they will really want to win this World Cup."

Spain begin their World Cup campaign against Costa Rica next Wednesday before facing fellow Group E opponents Germany and Japan.