Spain will be looking to defend the world crown they landed in 2010 and complete a remarkable run of triumphs at four successive major international tournaments. Chris Burton examines how the holders might fare.
Tuesday 10 June 2014 14:27, UK
A golden generation of Spanish talent will be looking to emerge victorious at a fourth successive major international tournament this summer, with the reigning world and European champions continuing to set the standard.
Success in South Africa back in 2010 saw Spain’s long wait for global glory come to an end, and they will be determined to ensure that their crown does not slip in South America. Vicente del Bosque has an enviable array of talent at his disposal, and expectations will be high once again as an all-conquering outfit are put back under the microscope.
The number one ranked side on the planet made light work of their qualification campaign, with an unbeaten run through their eight fixtures delivering six wins, 14 goals for and only three against. While they would appear to be moving ominously through the gears, a 3-0 defeat in last year’s Confederations Cup final to hosts Brazil suggests that Spain may not have things all their own way – as does a testing group.
Spain’s Group B fixtures
1. Friday June 13: Spain vs Netherlands – Salvador (20.00)
2. Wednesday June 18: Spain vs Chile – Rio de Janeiro (20.00)
3. Monday June 23: Australia vs Spain – Curitiba (17.00)
Coach: Vicente del Bosque
Inherited the reins on the back of a successful showing at Euro 2008 and has picked that baton up and run with it. His record at the Spanish helm makes for mightily impressive reading, with World Cup and European Championship honours added to his distinguished CV. Del Bosque has shown in the past that he is not afraid of making bold tactical decisions, having embraced the false nine approach, but the former Real Madrid coach is a man who prefers to let results do the talking.
Star man: Andres Iniesta
Where to start in a squad brimming with creative influences and seasoned professionals who have won just about every major honour the game has to offer. Iniesta gets the nod for being the midfield cog which keeps a well-oiled Spanish machine purring. Seemingly untouchable when in possession and blessed with telescopic vision, it is rare to see the Barcelona man ruffled and even rarer to see him waste a pass. He is also capable of popping up with the odd goal – as his extra-time effort to see off the Netherlands at the last World Cup showed. Iniesta has been a comforting presence throughout Spain’s recent run of success and at the age of 29 he is not finished yet, with a one-club man as hungry as ever to get his hands on domestic and international prizes.
Tournament best: Winners 2010
Squad
Goalkeepers: Iker Casillas (Real Madrid), Jose Reina (Liverpool), David De Gea (Manchester United)
Defenders: Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid), Gerard Pique (Barcelona), Raul Albiol (Napoli), Cesar Azpilicueta (Chelsea), Juanfran (Atletico Madrid), Jordi Alba (Barcelona)
Midfielders: Xavi (Barcelona), Xabi Alonso (Real Madrid), Sergio Busquets (Barcelona), Andres Iniesta (Barcelona), Cesc Fabregas (Barcelona), Santi Cazorla (Arsenal), Koke (Atletico Madrid), Javi Martinez (Bayern Munich)
Forwards: David Silva (Manchester City), Diego Costa (Atletico Madrid), Fernando Torres (Chelsea), Pedro (Barcelona), Juan Mata (Manchester United), David Villa (Atletico Madrid)
British based players: Jose Reina (Liverpool), Cesar Azpilicueta (Chelsea), David Silva (Manchester City), Santi Cazorla (Arsenal), Juan Mata (Manchester United) and Fernando Torres (Chelsea).
Spain are 6/1 to defend the trophy they lifted for the first time in South Africa, making them fourth in the pecking order behind Brazil (3/1), Argentina (5/1) and Germany (5/1). However, one glance at the squad Vicente del Bosque has at his disposal to go along with their experience and it’s easy to see why Spain are one of the most-backed teams with the bookmakers.
They are 8/11 to win Group B ahead of Holland, Chile and Australia, while Brazil-born Diego Costa is their best hope of being top scorer at 20/1. Although they became the first side to win the World Cup outside of their own continent in 2010, the South American sides may fare better than the Europeans, but a semi-final appearance can be backed at 5/1.
