Marcelo: 'Spain respect Brazil'

Brazil defender Marcelo has claimed that Spain hold a great deal of respect for this summer's World Cup hosts.

The Real Madrid left-back is well aware of the dynamics in the Spain set-up due to a number of his club teammates representing La Roja.

"The Spaniards have always respected the Brazil team. I remember after the Confederations Cup, a conversation with Iker Casillas, he told me that was why Brazil always had to be respected," Marcelo told O Globo.

"I represent a country, a people. The pressure is much bigger, but the rewards are too. It's a big responsibility. The crowd have warmed to our team and the support helps in difficult times."

The two nations could meet in the final of the World Cup this summer.