David Silva hoping for strong start

Spain midfielder David Silva has refused to play down the importance of La Roja's opening World Cup Group B match against Netherlands.

The European pair meet in their tournament opener on Friday in a rerun of the final of the 2010 World Cup.

"It is a key game because it's the first one - although we did lose the opening match at the last World Cup and went on to win the trophy," Silva told reporters at a press conference.

"We know that if we can beat Holland, it will be an important step for us."

No European team has ever won the World Cup on South American soil.