Stewart Primrose2010: The year of Spain?
May 12th 2010 19:11
The question is not whether Spain can win the World Cup, but, rather, will they win it?
It is a side who have never picked up the famous trophy and, until their European triumph two years ago, were regarded as the world’s underachievers. England may now take up this unfortunate tag.
Here, Report Football takes a look at some of the reasons for and against Spain becoming the first side from Europe triumphing at the World Cup outside of their own continent.
Players:
For
They have arguable the best players in the world, which is augmented well by the strength and depth of the squad. It is so important in tournament football that you have reliable back-up because injuries and suspensions are bound to take place.
Spain have an abundance of talent right throughout the squad. In defence, if Gerard Pique or Carlos Puyol gets injured they have Raul Albiol or Sergio Ramos to step in.
Similarly, in midfield Xavi or Andres Iniesta can be replaced by Xavi Alonso or Cesc Fabregas - world class players in their own right.
Against
An area which is likely to be worrying Vicente del Bosque, the manager, is the fitness and form of his star men.
Iniesta, Torres and Fabregas haven’t played much football in recent months and, despite assurances from the players themselves, even if they make it in time for the big kick off their sharpness will be brought to attention.
Too often players are rushed back from injury but not fully fit. If they are, how fit will they be? And is there any chance the injuries will flare up again?
Style of Football:
For
The style of football they have adopted is a joy to watch. The touch, technique and passing ability is brilliant.
Their movement on and off the ball allows them to create a host of chances, and when you have two of the world’s top goal scorers in your side – David Villa and Fernando Torres - it is difficult to see how the world’s finest defenders can cope with such a threat.
Against
During the Confederations Cup in South Africa last summer, the Spanish struggled to maintain the same intensity they normally perform at. This may, in part, be down to the nature off the competition and of it being at the tail end of the season.
However, the state of pitches could have been the main factor to them underperforming.
They rely so much on their passing game and of good technique. The bumpy and lethargic state of the lawn in South Africa will work against them and possibly be a leveller for the lesser nations in opposition.
Mentality:
For
They proved two years ago that they can play tournament football, and it was at the Euros in Austria and Switzerland where they finally announced their long-awaited status as a force to be feared.
The penalty shoot-out win over Italy in the quarter-finals is a match they have been known to buckle and falter. The fact that they met this challenge suggests they have the mentality to go all the way.
Against
This is a World Cup we are talking about. The pressure is far greater here than it is in the Euros. It can be far more random, as professionals may crumble under all the unwanted scrutiny and media attention. This has broken even the very best and there are always a few shocks.
Think of Senegal and South Korea in 2002, Cameroon in 1990 and Bulgaria in 1994, and you will get the picture.
The Draw:
For
Spain are almost certainties to qualify from their group with complete ease.
Switzerland, Honduras and Chile are unlikely to pose too many problems and, if things go well, they may be able to rest some key players in the final group game with a view to keeping them fresh and fit for the second phase.
Against
At first glance the draw may appear kind, but once they are out of their section and into the knock-out rounds that problems may arise.
Brazil or Portugal are the likely contenders in the round of 16. If they can negotiate this hazardous hurdle, the holders Italy could be up next, before possibly challenging Argentina or Germany in the semi-finals.
2010 may be known as the golden generation of Spanish football, and many expect them to go on and win the World Cup.
However, there are many challenges and decisions to be met and made if they can finally call themselves the best team in the world.
It is a side who have never picked up the famous trophy and, until their European triumph two years ago, were regarded as the world’s underachievers. England may now take up this unfortunate tag.
Here, Report Football takes a look at some of the reasons for and against Spain becoming the first side from Europe triumphing at the World Cup outside of their own continent.
Players:
For
They have arguable the best players in the world, which is augmented well by the strength and depth of the squad. It is so important in tournament football that you have reliable back-up because injuries and suspensions are bound to take place.
Torres has injury problems
Similarly, in midfield Xavi or Andres Iniesta can be replaced by Xavi Alonso or Cesc Fabregas - world class players in their own right.
Against
An area which is likely to be worrying Vicente del Bosque, the manager, is the fitness and form of his star men.
Iniesta, Torres and Fabregas haven’t played much football in recent months and, despite assurances from the players themselves, even if they make it in time for the big kick off their sharpness will be brought to attention.
Too often players are rushed back from injury but not fully fit. If they are, how fit will they be? And is there any chance the injuries will flare up again?
Style of Football:
For
The style of football they have adopted is a joy to watch. The touch, technique and passing ability is brilliant.
Their movement on and off the ball allows them to create a host of chances, and when you have two of the world’s top goal scorers in your side – David Villa and Fernando Torres - it is difficult to see how the world’s finest defenders can cope with such a threat.
Against
During the Confederations Cup in South Africa last summer, the Spanish struggled to maintain the same intensity they normally perform at. This may, in part, be down to the nature off the competition and of it being at the tail end of the season.
However, the state of pitches could have been the main factor to them underperforming.
They rely so much on their passing game and of good technique. The bumpy and lethargic state of the lawn in South Africa will work against them and possibly be a leveller for the lesser nations in opposition.
Mentality:
For
Spain have never won the World Cup
The penalty shoot-out win over Italy in the quarter-finals is a match they have been known to buckle and falter. The fact that they met this challenge suggests they have the mentality to go all the way.
Against
This is a World Cup we are talking about. The pressure is far greater here than it is in the Euros. It can be far more random, as professionals may crumble under all the unwanted scrutiny and media attention. This has broken even the very best and there are always a few shocks.
Think of Senegal and South Korea in 2002, Cameroon in 1990 and Bulgaria in 1994, and you will get the picture.
The Draw:
For
Spain are almost certainties to qualify from their group with complete ease.
Switzerland, Honduras and Chile are unlikely to pose too many problems and, if things go well, they may be able to rest some key players in the final group game with a view to keeping them fresh and fit for the second phase.
Against
At first glance the draw may appear kind, but once they are out of their section and into the knock-out rounds that problems may arise.
Brazil or Portugal are the likely contenders in the round of 16. If they can negotiate this hazardous hurdle, the holders Italy could be up next, before possibly challenging Argentina or Germany in the semi-finals.
2010 may be known as the golden generation of Spanish football, and many expect them to go on and win the World Cup.
However, there are many challenges and decisions to be met and made if they can finally call themselves the best team in the world.
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