CURITIBA, Brazil -- Spain's chances of retaining the World Cup trophy will be a lot better if Sergio Ramos can do for his country what he did at Real Madrid this season.
Ramos is enjoying a career-best season, highlighted by his stoppage-time header that forced extra-time in Real's eventual 4-1 Champions League final victory over Atletico Madrid. The 28-year-old Ramos says the goal was "one of the most important moments" of his life — and came after he netted twice against Bayern Munich in the semifinals.
In Brazil, Ramos is not only fantasizing about leading the defending champions to a record fourth straight major championship title, but redemption and the chance of beating the hosts on home soil.
Brazil beat Spain 3-0 in the Confederations Cup final last year and Ramos says "the nice thing about football is it always offers the chance of revenge." (AP)