Koke praises Spain mentality

Spain midfielder Koke has claimed that the team's winning mentality will not change as they look to defend their World Cup crown.

La Roja kick off their campaign on Friday when they meet the Netherlands in what is a repeat of the 2010 final.

While there are few doubts that Spain will go far at the tournament, Koke insists that the squad is as determined as ever to get their hands on more silverware.

"Spain always have a winning mentality," he is quoted as saying by FIFA.com. "We have kept the same philosophy, which is to go out and play with the same style that has characterised us for so many years - that's how this group became winners."

Koke was part of the Atletico Madrid side that won the La Liga title last season.