Spain in football is famous for the art and artistry of their footballers. Many star footballers from all over the world play in very high quality Spanish league. Barcelona and Real Madrid are home of brilliant footballers. The golden generation of Spanish footballers was threatening to win big for a while. But in world stage ultimate success somehow remained beyond them till 2010 when they won in style in South Africa beating another brilliant European team the, Netherlands in the final. Spanish football team now is on a roll in international football. They won the World Cup for the first time in 2010 and surrounded it with European Championship titles in 2008 and 2012. They look well prepared to continue that impressive streak of results at the 2014 World Cup.
“It was a moment of absolute bliss .We knew it was a historic moment and that’s also how we experienced it. That goal and that game we will never forget,” said Xabi Alfonso talking about his famous goal against the Netherlands in the final of World Cup 2010. Following that Spain did not look behind. Success became synonym of Spain and they repeated their European championship triumph again in 2012. Xabi went on saying: The secret is to believe in our style and knowing exactly what we have to do. It (our style) has given us too many moments of joy for us to stop believing in that way of doing things.”
Spain was hardly stretched in their qualifying round. They went through undefeated in eight matches with 14/3 goal for/against while they failed to break down the defense of France and Finland. The inability to kill opponents off despite playing possession based football is a concern for Spain. The problem reared again at the confederation cup where Spain could only get past EURO 2012 finalists Italy on penalties despite maintaining lions share of possessions. Spain was given a rude wakeup call in the final by World Cup hosts Brazil. Losing 3-0 in the final sent shockwaves through the football world as the Selecao systematically dismantled Spain’s defensive set–up while also ending the very impressive 29 match unbeaten streak held by La Furia Roja in the competitive games.
Talking about the smashing defeat at the hands of Brazil, Xavi said, “The Confederation cup has nothing to do with a world cup. Brazil was clearly superior. It is not easy to see Spain suffer a defeat of this kind. We know Brazil is one of the main contenders for the title, but that game is in the past now, and not a reference for what can happen in the world cup.”
Talking about possession football, Xavi said: Possession football looks easy to Play. Sometimes, what looks simple aesthetically is most difficult thing to achieve.
“There are some great teams, Brazil of course, Germany, the Netherlands, Argentina… I have got a feeling that it will be a great world cup on a impressive stage. So let us enjoy it and hope that Spain can achieve greatness once again,” he said on challenges of Spain in defending their title.
Spain named their 30-man primary squad on 13, which included under-pressure stars Fernando Torres and Juan Mata among a glittering array of talented footballers. The most notable omission, arguably, was the name of Isco, who has proven himself worthy of the famous Real Madrid shirt en route to the Champions League final.
La Roja face a tricky Group B to begin their journey. They are joined by Netherlands and Chile to form a tough trio with Australia also lurking to play the role of spoiler. Spain should still advance, but it probably won't happen without some tense moments along the way. The complete squad includes the following:
Goal Keepers: Iker Casillas (Real Madrid), Pepe Reina (Napoli), David De Gea (Manchester United)
Defenders: Cesar Azpiliceueta (Chelsea), Gerard Pique (Barcelona), Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid), Jordi Alba (Barcelona), Alberto Morena (Sevilla), Javi Martinez (Bayern Munich), Raul Albiol ( Napoli), Juanfran (Athletico Madrid) and Daniel Carvajal (Real Madrid) .
Mid Fielders: Sergio Busquets (Barcelona), Xavi Alonoso (Real Madrid), Koke (Athletico Madrid), Ander Iturraspe (Athletic Bilbao), Xavi (Barcelona), Thiago Alcantara (Bayern Munich), Pedro (Barcelona), Jesus Nevas (Manchester City), David Silva (Manchester City), Cesc Fabregas (Barcelona), Juan Mata (Manchester United), Santi Kazorla (Arsenal) and Andres Iniesta (Barcelona)
Strikers: Diego Costa (Athletico Madrid), David Villa (Athletico Madrid), Fernando Torres (Chelsea), Alvaro Nevredo (Manchester City) and Fernando Llorento (Juventus).
The tactical mastermind Vicente del Bosque will have some headache in selecting the starting XI. He has to change his belief that a tournament can be won without a forward. He now possesses a plethora of talent firing on all cylinders and finding the back of the net in regular basis. Torres is the reigning Euro Golden Boot and the FIFA Confederation Golden Shoe Winner. Fernando Llorentes is known as the “Lion King” for his marksmanship around the penalty box and laser like accuracy from headers. Brazilian born Diego Costa has excellent skills with and without the ball.
Spain is in a difficult group having their 2010 final opponent strong Netherlands, South African Giant Chile and not a push over Australia. Their very first match will be the repeat of 2010 final against Netherlands.
Although Spain is expected to advance from the group yet they must try to top for avoiding a clash with host and favorite Brazil in the group of 16. If that situation is avoided somehow Spain may have to play either Italy or Uruguay in the quarter final. Even an encounter with England is also a possibility.
If Spain goes all the way and win world cup again they will match the great Brazilian team winning in 1958 and 1962. That was also talked about La Furia Roja before they won three major tournaments back to back. Can the golden generation of Spain bring another glory the make the country of music go wild once more?
BDST: 0845 HRS, MAY 15, 2014
