Euro 2012 - Spain preview

When looking at the potential winners of Euro 2012, it’s very difficult to look past the defending champions Spain. The Spaniards have cemented their place as the best side in the world with victories at the last two major championships, shaking off their bridesmaids tag once and for all. They boast the best array of talent we’ve perhaps ever seen, and are looking to become the first side ever to defend the title.

Spain breezed through the qualification stage, winning all eight of their games, albeit in a relatively easy group. Their toughest test came at Hampden Park, where they defeated Scotland 3-2. That aside, it was plain sailing for the classy Spaniards.

Key Players

Spain have so many world class players, it’s difficult to pick just one. Captain Iker Casillas is an assured presence in front of the sticks, arguably the best goalkeeper in the world at present.

The players that make the Spaniards tick are them little geniuses from Barcelona, Xavi Hernandez and Andres Iniesta. The duo totally control games through midfield, starving the opposition of the ball for several minutes at a time. If Xavi and Iniesta have big tournaments, it’s almost impossible to see past Spain.

With Carles Puyol absent through injury, the stage could be set for Athletic Bilbao defender Javi Martinez to put down a marker as the future of the Spanish defence. The 23-year-old has been converted from a midfielder to a centre-half this year, and has more than excelled in the role. His brilliant performances inspired Bilbao’s run to the Europa League final, and is certainly one to watch for the big clubs across Europe.

Manager

Vincente Del Bosque took charge of the side straight after their Euro 2008 success. He is best known for his spell with Real Madrid, where he steered the club through its most successful spell in modern history, claiming two Champions Leagues and two La Liga titles in just three years.

Del Bosque was the architect behind the World Cup win in 2010, and is looking to become just the second coach in history to win back to back major international tournaments.

Expected Spain squad

Goalkeepers: Iker Casillas (Real), Pepe Reina (Liverpool), Victor Valdes (Barcelona).

Defenders: Sergio Ramos, Alvaro Arbeloa (both Real), Gerard Pique (Barcelona), Jordi Alba (Valencia), Javi Martinez , Andoni Iraola (both Athletic), Alvaro Dominguez (Athletico).

Midfielders: Sergio Busquets, Cesc Farbregas, Andres Iniesta, Xavi (All Barcelona), Xabi Alonso (Real), David Silva (Man City), Jesus Navas (Sevilla), Juan Mata (Chelsea), Iker Munian (Athletic).

Strikers: Fernando Llorente (Athletic), Roberto Soldado (Valencia), Alvaro Negredo (Sevilla), Pedro (Barcelona).

Spain are missing a couple of key players for the tournament. Top-scorer David Villa hasn’t played since Christmas because of a broken leg, while Fernando Torres continues to struggle with form and fitness. As mentioned earlier, Carles Puyol will also miss out due to injury.

Spain fixtures - Group C

Spain were handed a straight forward looking group for the tournament, going up against Italy, Croatia and the Republic of Ireland. All their games will be played at the Municipal stadium in Poland.

Spain v Italy, June 10^th, kick-off time 5:00 pm

Spain v Ireland, June 14^th, kick-off time 7:45 pm

Croatia v Spain, June 18^th, kick-off time 7:45 pm

Prediction

Spain are massive favourites for the tournament, and I can’t see them failing to live up to expectations.

They should have minimal problems in topping their group, but could face England in the quarter-final, who defeated them last time out.

However, the only teams I see stopping Spain are Germany and the Netherlands, but with them on the other side of the draw they won’t have to face either until the semi-final.