Euros harder than World Cup, says Xavi

Spanish midfielder Xavi Hernandez believes the European Championship is harder to win than the World Cup.

The world and European champions are looking to complete an unprecedented treble by retaining their European crown and the Barcelona man thinks success will make them marked opponents when the competition gets underway.

He said: “I have the feeling that the duty has been completed, that we are in peace. There are no urgencies anymore, no fear of the quarter-finals, no worries.

“The day against Italy (in Euro 2008) changed the dynamic of Spanish football, it was like a liberation. The title then arrived and the World Cup.

“Everyone wants to beat the champions. For us it is another game, for our opponent is it the game. Moreover, we are without (David) Villa and (Carles) Puyol.

“The European Championships is harder than the World Cup, more intense. There are no Cinderellas. In the World Cup, with all respect, you can face Honduras or Saudi Arabia. In the Euros, anyone can beat you.”