Luis Figo plays down Spain's chances of retaining the World Cup

Luis Figo doesn’t think Spain are favorites

Portuguese football legend Luis Figo believes Spain will not win the World Cup this year in Brazil.

The former Real Madrid mid-fielder opines that La Roja ”lack the quality” to lift the prestigious title once again. "I do not think Spain will win the World Cup,” Figo told Laureus.com. “I don’t think they have the quality to do so. It will be difficult for them to win, but not impossible.”

Spain have won three consecutive major tournaments- 2 Euros in 2008 and 2012 and a World Cup in 2010. However, the Confederations Cup in Brazil last year saw them getting abjectly subjugated by the hosts in the finals.

Subsequently, the Portuguese international has backed the Selecao, under the guidance of Luiz Scolari, to win their sixth World Cup crown on their own soil. "I think it helps to be playing at home. I know the Brazil coach [Luis Felipe Scolari] well and I think he's a great coach for this type of tournament and the country will help to support the team,” Figo added. “It will be very, very difficult for other teams against Brazil [because of the support].” the 41-year old added.

When asked about Portugal’s chances at the World Cup , he predicts a tough and gruelling path to the final and also emphasises chronic dependency on Ronaldo. "It's very difficult because it's a long way to the final and our country only has 11 million people which makes it difficult to choose 18 to 20 players for the World Cup, plus [how far Portugal go in the competition] depends heavily on Cristiano Ronaldo."

Luis Figo had 127 caps to his name in his 15 year long career with Portugal.