Real Federación Española de Fútbol 1913
Coach: Vicente Del Bosque.
Confederation: UEFA
FIFA Ranking (Nov 09): 1
Previous Appearances: 12 1934 (5th), 1950 (4th), 1962 (1st round), 1966 (1st round), 1978 (1st round), 1982 (2nd round), 1986 (1/8 round), 1990 (1/16 round), 1994 (1/8 round), 1998 (1st round), 2002 (1/8 round), 2006 (1/16 round)
Spain v Switzerland 16 June; Durban
Spain v Honduras 21 June; Johannesburg
Spain v Chile 25 June; Pretoria
Background
In its 12 appearances in the World Cup, Spain have reached the semi final only once and the quarter final only thrice. They have had four first round exits too. World Cup for the La Rojas has been a cup of sorrow. Spain is the only country not to have won the World Cup, despite topping the FIFA ranking. But they go into 2010 World Cup as the Euro champions and this will boost their confidence to the sky.
The road to the 2010 FIFA World Cup finals
Spain was placed in Group 5, along with Bosnia and Herzegovina, Turkey, Belgium, Estonia, and Armenia for the qualification matches. Spain opened their campaign at home to Bosnia and Herzegovina and Villa struck the only goal. Next they thrashed Armenia 4-0, Villa again among the scorers. Estonia was the next victim whom they defeated 3-0, Villa contributing one goal to the kitty. Spain then edged past Belgium, 2-1 helped by a late winner from Villa. Turkey was beaten 1-0 and in the return leg which followed immediately, 2-1 was the score line in favour of Spain.
It had been a string of victories till now and the run was carried on with doubles from Silva and Villa Belgium was thrashed 5-0. this was followed by victories against Estonia (3-0) and Armenia (2-1). In the last match of the qualifications, Spain bulldozed Bosnia and Herzegovina 5-2.
It was an unprecedented show by Spain, winning all the 10 matches and getting all the 30 points, dunmping the runners-up Bosnia and Herzegovina 11 points behind.
Strengths
Possession play, accurate passing for facilitating attacks and creativity are the strengths of Spain. There is no shortage of fire power with Villa, Silva and Torres in the front. They have a very strong midfield too with Andres Iniesta and Xavi, the Barcelona pair around whom the team was built.
Weaknesses
The weaknesses are more to do with mind than with playing skills or tactics. Spain has traditionally been weak against teams which play physical football. They also seem to be worried about set pieces against them. This mindset doesn’t allow them to play their natural game which is free and exhilarating like an accelerating breeze. So many teams are able to plan their moves and execute them when playing against Spain.
The Coach
Vicente Del Bosque took over from Aragones, who had taken the team to glory at Euro 2008. So the present coach has a precedent to live up to. In a short while, he proved what he is capable of by the successful qualification campaign. Del Bosque keeps his own counsel but is not pompous. His humility wins over people and that is why he has been able to manage a team chock-a-block with stars.
Star Men
Gerard Piqué (Barcelona);
Spain was on the look out for a strong centre-back and Gerard Piqué fits the bill. He is tall and fast and heads the ball with precision.
Xavi Hernandez (Barcelona);
The key player for Spain. When he plays, the whole game seems to evolve around him. Hernandez has the magic to change the whole game with a couple of touches.
Fernando Torres (Liverpool);
An under rated forward, he has the killer instinct to demolish and frustrate the opposition. His counter-attacks are swift and threatening creating panic in the opponent’s ranks. Torres also supports his fellow strikers and creates opportunities for them to score.
Iker Casillas;
A goalkeeper with fantastic reflexes, Casillas was instrumental in Spain winning the Euro 2008. Playing for Real Madrid, he has a wealth of experience that stands by him in crunch situations. He has been capped more than a 100 times for La Roja, and is currently the captain.
Carlos Puyol;
The experienced centre-back is the Barcelona captain. He is the rock on which the Spanish defence is built. Puyol has represented his country in more than 80 internationals.
Best Footballing Moment
The Euro 2008 victory. It was the result of hard work, combined team effort and wonderful utilization of the abundant talent.
World Cup Objective
Nothing less than the ultimate crown. If any Spanish team could achieve it, then it is this. A great set of players with binding team spirit and determination to succeed, Spain is one of the favourites.
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