Spain defender Sergio Ramos is keen to get his World Cup started but is also keeping his feet on the ground and not showing any signs of over confidence.

"After a long period in Spain and here in South Africa we're keen to play the match and we want to show what we've been doing for a long time," said the Spanish defender. "It's true that the first game is important. The first game is crucial for confidence and for the mood of the players."

Spain play Switzerland in their first game on Wednesday as the last two teams to play the first game in the group stages. That evening, South Africa will play their second game against Uruguay in Pretoria.

But, he is also not getting carried away. "It's the fans, the press and the other teams who have put us down as favourites, but we are keeping our feet on the ground, as we have been doing," said Ramos. "It would be a mistake to think we are the favourites."

Well, we here don't actually think they are favourites. There is a big difference in winning the European Championships and winning the World Cup and despite the unquestionable quality - we don't think Spain are ready.