The World Cup always provides shocks, with twists and turns around every corner and upsets becoming a regular feature.
So far this tournament Germany and Argentina have already lost to much weaker opposition, which makes predicting an eventually winner of football’s greatest prize even more difficult.
Carlos Sainz has been keeping up with his country’s progress recently, sharing a funny video on his Instagram story of his teammate Charles Leclerc falling asleep while watching Spain’s opening game of their campaign.
Sainz has suggested that his nation have a genuine chance of repeating their 2010 World Cup winning feats, claiming that Spain’s style of football could make the difference.
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“I think we have good chances because Spain always, since we won the World Cup in 2010, I think we’ve always played well,” said the Spaniard.
“We are very loyal to our way of playing and always tried to play good football. I think we have a great amount of young talent in the team.
“Will this be enough to win the World Cup? I have no idea. Because then it depends on that month, how the players are feeling. But I like our chances and I will be supporting Spain as much as I can.”
Spain have enjoyed a strong start to their tournament in Qatar, so far demolishing Costa Rica 7-0 before drawing 1-1 to 2014 winners Germany.
Alongside Pierre Gasly, Sainz is probably the biggest football fan on the Formula 1 grid, with the Ferrari driver often attending Real Madrid matches at the Santiago Bernabeu when the unrelenting Formula 1 schedule permits him to.
Sainz has revealed that he has developed a friendship with Brazilian Madrid stars Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo, joking that he wishes them well in their World Cup journeys, as long as they do not encounter Spain.
“Two great players that have done a lot for Real Madrid in the last couple of years,” said Sainz when asked about the pair.
“I text Vini now and then. We’re on Instagram, and he’s become a fan of Formula 1 and I;m a big fan of Real Madrid.
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“I think they’re going to be strong in the national team for Brazil, though maybe I don’t want them to be so strong because it will make like very difficult for Spain.
“But they are two great players: super young, with all the life ahead of them. So I wish them the best and keep being so good, especially for Real Madrid.”
With Ferrari falling some way short of a serious title challenge in 2022, Sainz will have to divide his team fairly between working with the team and sneaking off to watch the World Cup, as both Spain ad Ferrari look to return to the top of their respective sports.