Ever since I started watching football many years ago now, when it came time for the World Cup, Spain were always considered a dangerous threat by many pundits that they would win the tournament, only to let everyone down time and time again. Spain are likely to have one of the best selling World Cup Jerseys in the tournament, but the best they have finished is 4th place in a World Cup and that was in 1950. Yes, they have won the European Championship twice, in 1964 and 2008, but I don’t think they’ve ever been serious contenders to win a World Cup… that is, until now.
Vicente Del Bosque’s side will have taken a massive confidence boost from their achievements not only in Euro 2008, but the fact that they won every single group game in World Cup Qualification. Those playing in a Spain World Cup jersey managed to score 28 goals in 10 games and only conceded 5, which is a fantastic record, in a group that contained teams like Bosnia, Turkey and Belgium.
The Spanish squad has great quality in every area of the pitch, in which a few world class players will struggle to get a starting place. You have Iker Casillas in goal, with Pepe Reina as backup. In defence, there’s a choice of Pique, Puyol, Arbeloa, Albiol, Capdevila, Ramos and Marchena. In midfield, Xabi Alonso, Fabregas, Iniesta, Xavi, Carzola, Senna and David Silva are among the names that could be used. And finally, you have arguably the two best strikers in the world in Fernando Torres and David Villa to play up front, with Dani Guiza and Alvaro Negredo to come in as replacements.
This current Spanish squad has shown that it is more than just a good team on paper and I honestly believe that it’s the best chance Spain have ever had of winning the World Cup. Obviously, injuries could occur to key players throughout the season and it is impossible to predict which players will make it to the tournament because of that, but as you can see, there is great strength in depth and at the moment, Spain are my favourites to go all the way.
Written by Stephen Whiteford, a sports writer who blogs about 2010 World Cup shirts.
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{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
I think they’ve got a really strong choice, they’re currently the favs with all the bookies. Brazil is a close 2nd. Would love to see a Spain V Brazil final!
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i would really enjoy final Spain v Brazil
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A Spain vs Brazil final would be a spectacle considering the two countries can play some of the most entertaining football. The scenarios show it is possible the two teams might meet in the Round of 16!
If Brazil finishes second and Spain first in their respective groups (or vice versa), then they will clash in the second round.
Otherwise they have a chance of playing against each other in the final.
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