Xavi eyes World Cup contenders

Barcelona's Xavi has begun the job of highlighting the teams which might threaten Spain in South Africa next summer.

To nobody’s great surprise the 29-year-old has picked out Brazil, Italy and Germany. He also believes England and the Ivory Coast are potential dark horses.

“We have a superb generation of players, we have already qualified for South Africa and also have the experience of playing there,” Xavi told Reuters.

England, says Xavi, “appeared to have found a new swagger and a solid foundation for possible success”.

He also likes Frank Lampard, Steven Gerrard and Wayne Rooney, and said a defence including captain John Terry and Rio Ferdinand would be hard to penetrate.

“England were the big absence from Euro 2008 and I expect they are itching to show they can win the World Cup.”

Latest African qualifying scores

Mozambique 1 – 0 Kenya
Togo 1 – 1 Morocco
Benin 1 – 1 Mali
Nigeria 2 – 2 Tunisia
Ghana 2 – 0 Sudan
Algeria 1 – 0 Zambia

Ghana’s victory in Group D and the draw between Benin and Mali means Michael Essien & Co become the eighth team to qualify for next year’s finals. They should soon be joined by Algeria and the Ivory Coast.