Javi Martinez has claimed that Spain are desperate to avoid a repeat of the start they made to the World Cup four years ago.

Vicente del Bosque's side lost 1-0 to Switzerland in their opening group game in South Africa before going on to win the tournament, and Martinez believes that it could be important to make a better start against the Netherlands in Group B on Friday.

"After losing our first game last time round, the onus is on us not to do the same thing again," the Bayern Munich midfielder told reporters.

"We showed that it isn't the be-all and end-all in South Africa but getting off to a good start gives you extra confidence, even though we ended up as champions four years ago."

Spain will also meet Chile and Australia in the group stage.

Written by
Callum Mulvihill