Who said they wouldn't make it out the group stage?
Ivory Coast will struggle to make it out the group stage imo. Portugal and Brazil SHOULD prove too strong. I suppose weirder things have happened.
It's just indicative of the strength of Spain's midfield. Fabregas is world class, no doubt, but I think Xavi and Iniesta are better, and they have the added bonus of some great on field chemistry.