Real Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas admits Spain's players are disappointed they've not been granted an automatic path to the 2014 World Cup as defending champions.

Spain kickoff their qualifying campaign tonight against Georgia.

Casillas said: "Obviously it's strange and difficult to grasp that the world champions do not have a ticket for Brazil, but that's what's been decided, they've preferred that the champions have to qualify.

"It's true that what could happen is that we don't get to the World Cup and it would be strange not to see the champions defend their title, but we're going to think positively and think that we will be there."