2014 World Cup Group B team previews: Spain

Analysis of Spain's 2014 World Cup chances in a Group B with Netherlands, Chile and Australia.

Spain team photo taken during the Confederations Cup on June 27, 2013. Feipe Trueba / EPA

Reuters

Spain’s desire for glory on the international stage is as strong as ever but the champions will need something special if they are to become the first Europeans to win the World Cup in the Americas.

The only nation from the continent to triumph in soccer’s global showpiece outside Europe, thanks to their triumph in South Africa four years ago, Spain got an indication of the task facing them when they were humbled 3-0 by hosts Brazil in last year’s Confederations Cup final.

The pressure of the occasion at an intimidating Maracana Stadium in Rio De Janeiro, where July’s World Cup final will be held, was too much for them. They were unable to match Brazil’s intensity as they fell to what is one of only three defeats under coach Vicente Del Bosque in competitive games since he took over nearly six years ago.

That Brazil were able to dominate a Spain team used to having the lion’s share of possession was partly due to the absence of the injured Xabi Alonso, whose partnership with Sergio Busquets in midfield creates a stable platform for more creative teammates such as Xavi, Andres Iniesta and Cesc Fabregas to weave their magic.

Del Bosque, who masterminded Spain’s campaign in South Africa and led them to a second straight European title two years ago, will have learned from the reverse.

The former Real Madrid coach has only had to tinker with his team since he took over from the late Luis Aragones after the Euro 2008 triumph but has begun recently to give more playing time to some of Spain’s promising youngsters.

While he may be reluctant to experiment too much in Brazil and risk upsetting the balance of a side stuffed with proven champions, he will have recourse to players capable of coming off the bench and changing a game like creative midfielder Koke.

Perhaps his most significant move was the controversial decision late last year to call Brazil-born forward Diego Costa into the squad, which provoked outrage in Costa’s native country.

Spain scored just eight times in seven games at the 2010 World Cup and Costa, who made his debut in a 1-0 friendly win against Italy in March, could provide the cutting edge that Spain sometimes lack up front.

The 25-year-old has scored a hatful of goals for domestic champions Atletico Madrid in La Liga and the Champions League this season, and his combative playing style, strength in the air and prowess shooting with either foot strike fear into any defence.

In Xavi, Iniesta, Fabregas and David Silva, Spain have some of the best passers in the game, and Del Bosque will be counting on Costa making the intelligent runs into space that have been so devastating at club level.

Another tactic Del Bosque has often used to excellent effect, particularly at Euro 2012, is playing without a traditional centre forward, with Fabregas in a roving attacking role as a so-called “false nine”.

Spain’s midfield revolves around the settled quartet of Alonso, Busquets, Xavi and Iniesta, while at the back Sergio Ramos and Gerard Pique have formed a solid partnership in the middle, with the pacy Jordi Alba on the left.

With Alvaro Arbeloa apparently out of favour, Cesar Azpilicueta looks to be in line for the right-back slot and Del Bosque has stuck with his captain Iker Casillas in goal despite him losing his first-team place at Real Madrid.

A majority of these players have won more trophies at club and international level than any before them but Brazil proved at the Confederations Cup they can be beaten, and beaten well.

Nonetheless, few would bet against Del Bosque and his hugely talented squad defending their crown where no European side has managed to win in the seven World Cups held in North, Central and South America.

Five to watch:

Iker Casillas, goalkeeper (Real Madrid); Age 34; 153 caps. Spain's most-capped player, Casillas captained the side to triumphs at Euro 2008, 2010 World Cup and Euro 2012 and remains undisputed first choice despite losing his automatic starting place at Real. Occasionally suspect dealing with aerial threats, some miraculous saves have earned him the nickname "Saint Iker".

Sergio Ramos, centre-back (Real Madrid); Age 28; 115 caps. Regarded as one of the world's top central defenders after switching from right-back for club and country, but also risks being remembered more for his red cards. Sent off 19 times playing for Real, is an athletic, committed and tough tackler, who can throw himself too hastily into a challenge. Dinked penalty against Portugal in the Euro 2012 shootout was a highlight of the tournament. Winners' medals from Euro 2008 and 2012, and the World Cup.

Xavi, midfielder (Barcelona); Age 34; 130 caps. Midfield orchestrator who has set new standards for a central playmaker, leading Spain to victory in last three major tournaments. Passing, vision and composure remain unrivalled as he winds down his playing career and eyes a coaching role.

Andres Iniesta, midfielder (Barcelona); Age 29; 95 caps. Hugely gifted and entertaining ball player, epitomises Spain's swift, counter-attacking style. Has been hampered by niggling injuries and criticised for not scoring more often but has developed a habit of producing on the big occasions which include the winning campaigns of 2008, 2010 and 2012.

Diego Costa, striker (Atletico Madrid); Age 25; 1 cap. Raised hackles in his native Brazil when he chose to play for adopted country Spain, decision that can only benefit world and European champions. Tall, quick and strong and always a prickly customer, can shoot with either foot and should be valuable new weapon in Del Bosque's armoury.

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