Spain midfielder Cesc Fabregas says it's inevitable his side will fall from their current lofty perch one day.

However, when that day arrives, Fabregas wants his side to go down gracefully.

So long the under-achievers of international football, La Furia Roja have conquered all before them in the last couple of years. The side took wing by lifting the Euro 2008 trophy and then soared by winning the World Cup in South Africa this summer.

They began the defence of their European crown with a thumping 4-0 win over Liechtenstein in the first round of qualifiers, but Fabregas says they must never lose sight of the fact that one day the crown will slip.

In comments reported by AS, he said:"We know that one day someone will beat us.

"But the most important thing is to remain competitive at all times. And if we have to fall, we will do it with dignity.

"Winning on Friday night was important, we could not afford to waste opportunities.

"Nowadays every team makes it harder for us, they defend tight and play with organisation. This is what Liechtenstein did and they also tried to play good football," added the Arsenal skipper.

Spain next play Argentina in a high-profile friendly in Buenos Aires on Tuesday.