A decade after profitable their final main title, Spain enter this winter’s World Cup with their eyes on the prize.
Spain’s victory at Euro 2012 capped off a exceptional three-peat of trophy wins, which took within the 2008 European championship – their first triumph since 1964 – and the 2010 World Cup, the place a golden era secured the nation’s first world title.
La Roja then upset in 2014, nonetheless, succumbing to the latest world title-defence curse of exiting the subsequent World Cup within the group stage, earlier than placing in underwhelming efforts at Euro 2016 and the 2018 World Cup to bow out within the final 16 on each events.
Immediately after the 2018 world championship in Russia, former Spain midfielder Luis Enrique took cost of the nationwide crew, although he took a four-month hiatus in 2019 resulting from private causes. The former Barcelona coach returned in time to construct in the direction of final summer season’s Euros, the place Spain certified second from their group – behind Sweden – and barely beat Croatia and Switzerland to succeed in the semi-finals.
There, nonetheless, issues lastly got here collectively for Luis Enrique’s facet as they produced a superb efficiency in a traditional with Italy, finally dropping to the soon-to-be champions on penalties. Can they go a few steps additional in Qatar to return to the summit of worldwide soccer? We’ll quickly discover out, as they go up towards Germany, Costa Rica and Japan in Group E.
Here is every thing you could know:
Group fixtures (all instances GMT)
Wednesday 23 November: Spain vs Costa Rica – 19:00
Sunday 27 November: Spain vs Germany – 22:00
Thursday 1 December: Japan vs Spain – 22:00
Predicted squad
Goalkeepers: Unai Simon (Athletic Bilbao), Robert Sanchez (Brighton), David de Gea (Manchester United)
Defenders: Cesar Azpilicueta (Chelsea), Dani Carvajal (Real Madrid), Aymeric Laporte (Manchester City), Eric Garcia (Barcelona), Jordi Alba (Barcelona), Pau Torres (Villarreal), Diego Llorente (Leeds), Jose Gaya (Valencia)
Midfielders: Sergio Busquets (Barcelona), Thiago (Liverpool), Rodri (Manchester City), Gavi (Barcelona), Pedri (Barcelona), Carlos Soler (Paris Saint-Germain), Koke (Atletico Madrid), Marcos Llorente (Atletico Madrid)
Forwards: Ferran Torres (Barcelona), Alvaro Morata (Atletico Madrid), Marco Asensio (Real Madrid), Ansu Fati (Barcelona), Nico Williams (Athletic Bilbao), Pablo Sarabia (Paris Saint-Germain), Yeremy Pino (Villarreal)
Ones to look at
Star –Pedri: The Barcelona midfielder, who turns 20 through the group stage of this World Cup, nearly ought to be a ‘breakout talent’, however he featured closely for Spain ultimately summer season’s Euros, the place he even made the crew of the event. Pedri has glorious ball management and is nimble in possession, with a terrific capacity to unlock opposition defences. Look for him to take accountability regardless of his youth and be a key a part of any success Spain have.
Breakout expertise – Nico Williams: The Liberian-born 20-year-old made his senior debut for Spain throughout September’s Nations League fixtures, enjoying twice and recording an help. The Athletic Bilbao winger was a substitute in each of these video games so will not be a starter for Luis Enrique but, but when he’s supplied sufficient of a platform, he ought to exhibit glimpses of the thrilling play that has made him one to look at in La Liga to date this season.
Odds to win the World Cup (taken from Betfair)
15/2
Prediction
Expectations are excessive for Spain. Alongside Brazil, they’re probably the most favoured groups, largely resulting from their possession-heavy method and what ought to be a complementary local weather in Qatar. However, the mentality of latest Spain squads has left a good bit to want, and whether or not or not this set of gamers can maintain their nerve in key moments might resolve their destiny. It is tempting to say they are going to wrestle to cope with adversity and can bow out ahead of many are predicting. Defeated within the quarter-finals.
Source: www.impartial.co.uk