Spain arrives at the World Cup as the favorite,?and manager Luis de la Fuente, architect of the side that?won the Euros in remarkable fashion two years ago, is in no mood to play down the hype.

He has embraced the favorite?tag as a ?long-overdue pat on the back for a project he has dedicated his life to for over a decade, working his way ?from Spain¡¯s ?grassroots programs to the senior squad.

¡°We¡¯re delighted that¡¯s the case,¡± De la Fuente said.