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Chile approach pleases Xavi

25 June 2010-PA Sport

Spain playmaker Xavi has welcomed the news that Chile coach Marcelo Bielsa is not willing to settle for a draw from Friday's (Saturday morning AEST) crunch Group H encounter between the two sides.

With a 100% record from its opening two games, group leader Chile only needs a point from the clash at Pretoria's Loftus Versfeld stadium to ensure it not only qualifies for the last 16, but also finishes top of the standings.

However, Bielsa has insisted that he would be sticking to his attacking philosophy, believing it would be harder to go out looking for a draw than it would be to go out for the win.

And that has gone down well with Barcelona ace Xavi, whose side is fighting to avoid joining the growing list of big nations to tumble out of the tournament.

After losing one and winning one of its first two fixtures, Spain is currently level on three points with Switzerland, which will fancy its chances of beating bottom side Honduras in its final group game on Friday (Saturday morning AEST).

Asked about Bielsa's intention not to play for a draw, Xavi said: "This is good for Spain, we prefer to face a team that wants to win and this is what's been happening for the last few years with Bielsa.

"We're very happy to see they are going to attack, I think it's going to be a great game.

"We're going to give it everything we`ve got and the plan is to get as far as possible in the World Cup.

"There is going to be a lot of pressure tomorrow, the only thing that we're looking for is the victory. We have to play the way we normally play, circulate the ball and show our character on the pitch."

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