Del Bosque not getting carried away

Spain coach Vicente del Bosque was keen to play down talk of his side being favourites to win next year's World Cup despite their remarkable run of success over the last couple of years.

Saturday night's 2-1 win over Armenia not only kept already-qualified Spain on course for a perfect 10 in World Cup qualifying, but also means that in 41 matches since the start of 2007 they have won 36 times, drawn four - of which two finished with Spanish triumphs after extra time - and lost just once.

"Talk of winning the World Cup is premature, we've never managed it (win the World Cup)," said Del Bosque.

"Although it's true that there is optimism in Spain, who appreciate how the national team are playing, there is a long road ahead of us and on it we will meet very strong teams."

After seeing off Armenia thanks to goals from Cesc Fabregas and Juan Manuel Mata, whose winning penalty came in the 64th minute and not long after Armenia had netted a shock equaliser through Robert Arzumanyan, Spain now turn their attentions to trying to complete a perfect qualifying record when they meet Bosnia-Herzegovina on Wednesday.

Del Bosque felt the Armenia game was a difficult one for his side, and the upcoming fixture is likely to be another test for the European champions with Bosnia-Herzegovina assured of finishing second in Group Five and going into the play-offs.

"Bosnia's qualification (for the play-offs) is fair and deserved. They've earned it. Against us they showed they were a good team," added Del Bosque.