McCarthy: Spain can win World Cup

Mick McCarthy has hailed the Republic of Ireland's next opponents Spain as potential winners of the World Cup.

But the Republic boss also believes the Spaniards will not relish facing Ireland on Sunday for a place in the quarter-finals.

McCarthy watched Spain beat South Africa 3-2 to win Group B, which means they meet Ireland in the last 16 in Suwon.

The Spaniards are the first nation to qualify for the knockout phase with a 100 per cent record, and McCarthy was impressed by what he saw.

"Spain are potential winners," said McCarthy. "Nine points from the group, I think that tells its own story, they are are the first to get maximum points and are a top side.

"But we are here to have a go. I would hardly think Spain are relishing the prospect of playing us.

"They will look at us and think they have got a very difficult game coming up, but they might also look at us and think they fancy beating us."

Spain will start the game as favourites, but that does not bother McCarthy.

He added: "This definitely puts us back in the role of underdogs, but I am always happy to be in that position."