With a team made up largely of current and former Barcelona and Real Madrid players, two of Europe’s dominant forces, Spain are entitled to consider themselves among the World Cup’s favorites.
Spain was tremendously successful during the 2008-12 period. Many of the players available then will be making a return, while younger players, of seemingly similar status will be joining the team.
Spain will be looking to employ their own brand of possession football. And with a group in which only Portugal is set to challenge for first place, La Roja should easily qualify and try to advance to the final stages of the competition.
– Star players: Andres Iniesta, David De Gea, David Silva
– FootballCoin stars: Iago Aspas 1,220.79 seasonal points (Pro), 601.85 (Easy)
David Silva 1,221.47 seasonal points (Pro), 460.85 (Easy)
– Coach: Julen Lopetegui
– Group: B
– Group fixtures:
Fri June 15: Portugal – Spain, Sochi, 7pm
Wed June 2: Iran – Spain, Kazan, 7pm
Mo June 25: Spain – Morocco, Kaliningrad, 7pm
– Prediction: Spain should have no trouble qualifying from their group. The only question is whether they will manage to capture first place ahead of European champions Portugal. Winning the group would certainly offer an easier draw in the knockout stages.
The team is likely to advance at least to the Semi-Final stage. The predicted knockout stage calendar should play in the Spaniards’ favor. Many see Spain as one of the top favorites to win the tournament.
– Squad:
Goalkeepers: David De Gea (Manchester United), Pepe Reina (Napoli), Kepa (Athletic Bilbao);
Defenders: Dani Carvajal, Sergio Ramos, Nacho (all Real Madrid), Jordi Alba, Gerard Pique (both Barcelona), Nacho Monreal (Arsenal), Cesar Azpilicueta (Chelsea), Odriozola (Real Sociedad);
Midfield: Sergio Busquets, Andres Iniesta (both Barcelona) Saúl, Koke (both Atletico), Thiago (Bayern) Silva (Manchester City), Isco, Marco Asensio, Lucas Vázquez (all Real Madrid);
Forward: Iago Aspas (Celta), Rodrigo (Valencia), Diego Costa (Atletico)
🚨 OFICIAL | 46 millones de ilusiones en sus botas, en sus manos… ¡¡ESTOS SON #NUESTROS23!!
🔁 ¡RT PARA APOYARNOS! pic.twitter.com/XBx0e4uOcB
— Selección Española de Fútbol (@SEFutbol) May 21, 2018
– World Cup history: 1934, 1950 (Fourth Place), 1962, 1966, 1978, 1982, 1986, 1990, 1994, 1998, 2002, 2006, 2010 (Winners), 2014, 2018
