Alonso backs automatic World Cup qualification

Defending World Cup holders should qualify automatically for the next competition, Real Madrid midfielder Xabi Alonso, part of the Spain squad that won the 2010 tournament, said Tuesday. "Logically, as in many competitions and sports, the champion has the right to defend their title. FIFA does not allow for it but I think it is sufficiently important and fair that the winner have the right to qualify," he told a news conference ahead of Spain's friendly Friday against Saudi Arabia. World Cup holders stopped getting automatic entry in the next competition for the 2006 World Cup in Germany. In making the changes to the rules, football world governing body FIFA argued that the four years between competitions was a long time for any team to retain its strength. After taking on Saudi Arabia in Pontevedra in northeastern Spain, the 2008 and 2012 European champions will face Georgia in Tbilisi on September 11 in their opening qualifying match for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. "I think many of us are in a fortunate position where we are part of a group that has made history, but we are aware of the future that lies ahead. We don't want to rest on our laurels," said Alonso. "We want to win more trophies. When the time comes when we stop winning we will face up to it in the best possible way," he added.