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La Liga

Recent results may suggest otherwise, but Spain coach Vicente del Bosque insists his side cannot think they are unbeatable.

The Euro 2008 champions are preparing to lock horns with an Argentina side who could be one of their main rivals for World Cup glory.

Spain take on Argentina at Atletico Madrid's Vicente Calderon stadium tomorrow night as part of the Spanish Football Federation's centenary celebrations, pitting together two sides who will be among the favourites in South Africa - even though they had contrasting routes to next summer's finals.

Whereas Argentina stuttered and stumbled their way through the CONMEBOL section, earning the fourth and final automatic spot after snatching a late win over Uruguay in their final match, majestic Spain were unstoppable in Europe.

They won all 10 of their matches in Group Five, becoming one of an elite group of teams ever to claim a 100% record in World Cup qualifying, while in 42 games since the start of 2007 the European champions have won 37 times, drawn four - of which two finished with Spanish triumphs after extra time - and lost just once.

It has been an incredible period for the Iberian nation, but Del Bosque is determined to ensure no complacency creeps into his side.

"You always need to be concerned about maintaining the excitement. We must have more excitement every day, more effort, more desire to win. We cannot think that we are unbeatable, we have to work with the caution that sportspeople have to have," said Del Bosque, who took over as coach after Luis Aragones stepped down following Spain's victorious Euro 2008 campaign.

Spain have enjoyed a memorable 2009 so far, triumphing in all but one of their 14 games - a shock 2-0 defeat to the United States in the Confederations Cup semi-finals, but Argentina have had much more of a mixed run.

They have actually recorded eight wins in their 12 fixtures this year, but the other four games have finished in defeats - including a 6-1 mauling at the hands of Bolivia and a 3-1 home defeat against bitter rivals Brazil.

Del Bosque knows the two-time World Cup winners cannot be taken lightly though, despite their troubles in qualifying.

"They are a very important opponent, who are among the five or six best teams in the world," he said.

"They are coming from a very uncomfortable and difficult qualification, they have got stronger and will go into the World Cup as one of the favourites.

Aside from being part of the RFEF's centenary celebrations, tomorrow's match is set to be a special one for captain Iker Casillas.

The Real Madrid goalkeeper is currently on 99 caps for his country and by taking the field at the Vicente Calderon he will become only the third Spain player to reach three figures, joining fellow custodian Andoni Zubizarreta (126 appearances) and club-mate Raul (102).

Argentina coach Diego Maradona has experienced a turbulent time since taking charge of the Albiceleste almost exactly 12 months ago.

Aside from onfield worries, Argentina's 1986 World Cup-winning captain is currently being investigated by FIFA for his conduct in a reportedly obscene television interview following his side's win over Uruguay.

Maradona could face a five-game ban if found guilty, but the former Boca Juniors, Barcelona and Napoli legend refused to discuss that during his pre-match press conference ahead of the Spain game, preferring to laud the success their hosts have been enjoying.

"I think Luis (Aragones) did an extraordinary job that Del Bosque is continuing," said Maradona.

"Spain are a well-armed team, who are in brilliant form, and as well as that they have got a monkey off their back with the European Championship win. They could also have won the Confederations Cup, but fell in the semi-finals."

Regarding his own side's build-up to the game, he added: "We are working well. We still haven't decided how to play.

"It's normal to think that Spain are the favourites due to their good form, but in the end it won't help us to think like that."