Spain captain Iker Casillas believes his side is the favorite to win the World Cup which kicks off on Thursday in Brazil.

The Spain team have travelled to Brazil as reigning world champions after their success in South Africa four years ago and also as reigning European champions and should they win they would complete the incredible feat of winning two consecutive European and two world crowns.

Some have raised doubts about the lack of strikers in Spain's squad and the poor form of some key players this season, but Casillas, who himself had a difficult campaign and was second choice for Real Madrid in the Spanish league, is confident of a repeat triumph.

"Spain travel to the World Cup as absolute favorites," said Casillas in an interview printed in sports paper Diario AS.

"We know it will have hard to win as there are a lot of teams which are playing football very well, such as Germany, Portugal, Argentina, Brazil and Holland, who will also see themselves as favorites," continued the goalkeeper, who hailed the spirit of his team-mates.

"We are a team of players who like big challenges and we are excited to be able to try and repeat out success," he commented.

Finally Casillas looked back on his long experience as Spain keeper.

"The fact I have been in the team for 15 years means that every time to go to a big competition you are better prepared. It means you are able to give advice and explain what has happened in previous competitions," he concluded.