Much has been made about Spain’s inability to win the FIFA World Cup during their history.  Spain has always been blessed with world-class players, such as Alfredo Di Stefano, Raul, Francisco Gento, and Luis Suarez.  In fact, Spain has won a major tournament at senior international level only once, the European Championship in 1964, and have never been to a World Cup Final.

Discuss this article on the forums. (0 posts)

This year’s Spanish squad contains some omissions from the team which crashed out of Euro 2004 in the group stages, although, to their defense, their group included eventual winners Greece (I still don’t know how that happened).  Liverpool forward Fernando Morientes is the most notable exclusion, as he has struggled to make an impact with the 2005 UEFA Champions League winners since he joined them from Real Madrid, although his breakthrough season came in 2004 when he was loaned to Monaco, and led them to the Champions League final.  Morientes has not played as badly as some have said, although he is rather wasteful in front of goal.  He passes well, holds the ball up as good as anyone, and is a great header of the ball.  It is also worth noting that Morientes has 26 goals in 43 appearances for his country, which is quite an impressive record. 

What Spain do have is one of the best keepers in the world in Real Madrid’s Iker Casillas, who at 25, has more winners medals then those 10 years his senior.  They have a brilliant central defender in Barcelona’s Carlos Puyol, and a midfield containing Premiership stars Xabi Alonso of Liverpool, Arsenal teammates Cesc Fabregas and Jose Antonio Reyes, and Barca’s Xavi, who is coming off a serious knee injury.  The forward line is led by Valencia’s David Villa, who had a phenomenal season in La Liga, scoring 28 goals, good for second place.  Coach Luis Aragones will pair him with either Athletico Madrid’s Fernando Torres, and team captain Raul of Real Madrid.  The Spainiards also have a relatively easily draw in Group H, against the Ukraine, Tunisia and Saudi Arabia.  Not to mention, they had an undefeated qualifying campaign, but they must develop a killer instinct, as 5 of their 10 games ended in draws.  But even though they have a reputation of underachieving at the international level, Spain could surprise some people with inspired players and a few breaks.