GROUP B: Spain not changing style, says Xavi ahead of Dutch clash

Spain will not be changing their close-passing game as they start the defence of their World Cup title, midfielder Xavi said yesterday during a press conference.

13 June 2014, 2:37pm

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Spanish midfielder Xavi Hernandez attends a press conference at the Arena Fonte Nova stadium in Salvador, Brazil, on June 12, 2014. Spain face the Netherlands in their Group B match of the FIFA World Cup 2014 on 13 June 2014 in Salvador. Photo by EPA/GUILLAUME HORCAJUELO

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Ulli Bruenger, dpa

"Either we win or die with this style," said the Barcelona veteran, who has been pivotal to Spain's "tiki-taka" way of playing.

Spain have come in for criticism for putting too much emphasis on the close-passing game. Although it has also brought them two European Championship titles, critics complain it has become dull and even ineffective.

Xavi was speaking in Salvador on the eve of Spain's eagerly-awaited Group B encounter with the Netherlands, a repeat of the 2010 World Cup final.

Keeper Iker Casillas said the Dutch would be a tough opening game for Spain, and singled out winger Arjen Robben, a former team-mate at Real Madrid.

"Together with Robin van Persie and Wesley Sneijder they have three important players with international experience," he said.