CAPE TOWN // Spain will today be out to prove the theory that skill is nothing without organisation as they look to reach the quarter-finals by beating Iberian neighbours Portugal. To win, Spain will rely on maintaining a marriage of competitive team ethic and the sublime individualism. It is a blend that made them European champions two years ago. "Some teams achieve great things over the years," said David Villa, the Spain striker, "but our major strength is that although we have talented individual players, we are a team above all."
Vicente del Bosque, the coach who took over the Spanish team following the Euro 2008 win, revealed his pleasure in working with a generation of Spanish players that are the envy of the world. "I think this is a great time for Spanish football, regardless of what happens [against Portugal]," he said. "This is a great generation of Spanish footballers, with extraordinary quality." As much as his players' imperious technical abilities, the secret of the side's success, he said, are the contributions of domestic clubs and the conveyor belt of talent from Spain's national federation set-up. Both have merged to afford the manager players who are youthful and talented.
"I wouldn't say it is just because of Barcelona's players. We have players from [Real] Madrid, Valencia and other clubs that contribute players," the former Real Madrid manager said. "We feel comfortable with our style of game, but you don't reach victory in football following only one road. We have to try and find richness in our squad. "We have great quality players in the midfield and they do not have expiry dates - these footballers, fortunately for Spain, have many years ahead."
emegson@thenational.ae
