Draw with Finland finds World Cup champs in crucial game with France

There was a time when Spain as world champion wouldn't have the obligation of qualifying for the right to defend its crown at the 2014 World Cup.

However since FIFA revoked the automatic place for holder after the 2002 World Cup, that decision could now have severe repercussions for Vicente Del Bosque's men as they face France on Tuesday, for what is shaping up as a group decider and the lone automatic spot for next year's finals in Brazil.