Group H favourites Spain have been elevated by their voracious media from ambitious hopefuls to potential finalists after their impressive 4-0 defeat of Ukraine in their opening match on Wednesday in Leipzig.

Spain have in 56 years and nine previous attempts failed to get past the quarter finals stage.

But after notching up their 23rd successive match unbeaten against Ukraine, Luis Aragones' rejuvenated side appears more than capable of breaking the hoodoo.

The whole of Spain can feel it too, and after their demolition job on Oleg Blokhin's debutants the Spanish media ran out of superlatives salivating over their World Cup potential.

But after Argentina overtook Spain's impressive scoring margin on Friday against a Serbia and Montenegro team that leaked only one goal in dominating Spain in the qualifiers - it was time for some perspective.

Spain play their second Group H encounter against 2004 African Nations Cup winners Tunisia on Monday, which could secure qualification for the second round.

However for the rest of the competition, Xavi believes Argentina's exploit could help ease the pressure.

"Argentina's win can be a good thing for us - it will help to calm some of the euphoria that has surrounded us since Wednesday," Xavi told reporters after the team's training session on Friday at which Aragones focused on the same starting lineup as he used against Ukraine.

Xavi, who has returned from an injury lay-off to lay claim to a midfield position that had been threatened by Arsenal's teenage sensation Cesc Fabregas, was almost flawless against Ukraine.

But while Spain should breeze past Tunisia - who have failed to win a match at the World Cup since their debut in 1978 and have their backs to the wall after a 2-2 draw with the group's anticipated whipping boys Saudi Arabia - Xavi believes Roger Lemerre's side should not be taken for granted.

"It's obvious that on paper and historically Spain is superior than Tunisia," added the 26-year-old Barcelona midfielder.

"But we haven't seen much of them. We just know that Tunisia are perhaps more technically gifted than Ukraine.

"We have a few similarities, for example both teams play at quite a fast rhythm. Like us, they also like to hold on to the ball.

"We hope to qualify as of Monday, although we will go into the match with respect for Tunisia."

If Spain beat Tunisia on Monday then it is likely they will top Group H following their final match against the Saudis on June 24.

That would pit them against the runner-up in Group G, which is currently wide open after 2002 semi-finalists South Korea's win over Togo and 1998 champions France's draw with Switzerland.

It's in the next match that things get complicated, with a possible quarter-final encounter against either Brazil, Italy, Croatia or the Czech Republic.

For the moment, Xavi admits it's all positive feelings in the Spain camp.

But he admits its working with Aragones that has opened his eyes to their potential.

"It is totally different from other World Cup campaigns, where we haven't been able to get past the quarter-finals. But this time we hope that's not the case," he added.

"Since I've worked with Luis (Aragones), he's always tried to instil in me the importance of the technical side of football, as well as the importance of ball possession.

"And I think that's the best philosophy for the current team.

"He (Aragones) is a demanding coach, and knows exactly what he wants from each player.

"He lives and breathes football 24 hours a day."