Santi Cazorla has no concerns about the desire of the Spain squad as they approach their critical World Cup qualifier against France.
The world and European champions had to settle for a surprise 1-1 draw against Finland in Gijon on Friday to leave themselves two points adrift of leaders France in a group where only one team will qualify automatically for the 2014 finals in Brazil.
Anything less than a win in Paris would leave Spain's destiny out of their own hands - and a play-off increasingly likely - but Cazorla is confident that Vicente Del Bosque's team will rise to the occasion as they so often do.
"If there’s one thing the squad has it is hunger, the desire to create history, the desire to keep achieving success," Cazorla told Arsenal Player.
"It’s very difficult to achieve what we’ve achieved up to now and the objective is to not slip, to keep going. We have the Confederations Cup in the summer, the World Cup next year and we want to keep winning. Obviously, it’s difficult but I feel the hunger of the squad has been the key to us continuing to make history in football.
"The whole world will be looking at the France game because it’s a match that can really make our situation clear. The two of us are fighting to finish top of the group and qualify directly for the World Cup. We’re hopeful we can get the better of them… and get closer to the World Cup.
"You play against friends a lot in football. Someone changes clubs, there are transfers, there are a lot of movements and, tomorrow, someone who was your team-mate could be your opponent"
Santi Cazorla
"It’s vital [to finish top of the group]. A play-off is always difficult and nobody wants to be in one. We’re convinced we can finish top, though, and we’ll be trying to do exactly that."
Cazorla will have plenty of familiar Arsenal faces around him on Tuesday evening with Laurent Koscielny and Olivier Giroud - a scorer in the return fixture last year - expected to line up for France. Cazorla insists that won't make a difference to his approach.
"Well, you get used to it," he said. "You play against friends a lot in football. Someone changes clubs, there are transfers, there are a lot of movements and, tomorrow, someone who was your team-mate could be your opponent.
"Once you’re actually on the pitch, every player concentrates on what he has to do, and fights for his colours and his team. It’s the same thing with the international squad.
"We have a great camaraderie with Koscielny, with Giroud, with all the French players but... we’ll be looking to win for Spain, they’ll be looking to win for France."
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