The golden generation of Spain were promising for a while. The dream came through in 2010 when in South Africa playing very attractive brand of attacking football Spain won the world cup. In 2018 retaining the hard core team and supplemented with quality younger talent Spain is among the favorites for going all the way through 

Spain under new tactician Julen Lopetegui can definitely be considered dark horse of world Cup 2018. Spanish football team enjoyed a chequered period in its soccer history over the past decade. Two European Championship successes and historic world cup triumph in 2010, La Roja have not been the side to meet those lofty standard set since. After a shocking group stage exit in Brazil World Cup 2014 and less than acceptable round 16 finish in Euro at France in 2016 their mentor Vicente del Bosque had to exit. 

In came former Real Madrid and Barcelona goal keeper Julen Lopetegu after his successful stint with Spanish Under 19 and Under 23 Spanish teams in European Championships. He has started rolling Spanish team to revert to its fluid football. Spain now again has become a formidable force to reckon with.

Spain, a music loving happy go merry country hosts one of the most attractive soccer leagues in the world LA LIGA. Football admirers all over the world including Bangladesh follow Barcelona or Real Madrid. Hence top Spanish footballers are household names in many countries.

Spain is one of only 8 countries to have won FIFA world cup. It won in 2010 in South Africa With 14 appearance out of 20 Spain finished fourth in 1950 and reached quarter finals on four times. While compared with Brazil, Germany, Italy or Argentina it may not look great but still in the global context it is impressive 

Spanish Record in Football World Cup 

Played     Won     Drew    Lost     GF     GA
59            29         12        18       92      66

In 2018 Spain is a reasonably strong Group B where they have Portugal, Morocco and Iran. But they are tipped to top the group and move into round of 16. Following is the head to head record 

Team       Played    Won     Drew     Lost 
Portugal    38          18         12          6 
Morocco    2             2           0          0
Iran            0            0           0          0

Spanish Team in World Cup 2018 

It is 8 years and past two world cup Spain won its first and only world cup title in 2010. Many things have changed, many players have gone. About 6 to 8 players of the team that won the title survived .New Manager Julian Lopteguli  is optimistic that influx of quality young talent can carry Spain  all the way through. 

The Squad:

Goal Keepers: Kepa Arrizabalaga (Athletico Bilbao) , David de Gea ( Manchester United ) and Pepe Reina ( Napoli) 

Defenders: Cesar Aspelicueta ( Chelsea),Dani Carvajal ( Real Madrid), Jordi Alba ( Barcelona) ,Nacho ( Real Madrid) ,Nacho Monreal ( Arsenal ) , Alvero Odriozola ( Real Sociedad) , Gerad Pique ( Barcelona) and Sergio Ramos ( Real Madrid)

Mid Fielders: Isco ( Real Madrid), Thiago Alcantara ( Bayern Munich) , Sergio Busquets ( Barcelona) , David Silva ( Manchester City) , Andres Inesta ( Barcelona) , Saul Niguez ( Athletico Madrid ) and Koke ( Athletico Madrid) 

Forwards:  Marco Asensio (Real Madrid), Iago Aspas (Celta Vigo), Diego Costa (Athletico Madrid), Rodrigo (Valencia) and Lucas Vasquez (Real Madrid)

The most impressive feature of La Roja’s is the delicate balance between defence and attack. Despite being on opposite sides of Barcelona and Real Madrid Ramos and Pique have developed into arguably the best centre backs pairing in world football. Both are aptly supported by Jordi Alba on the left and Dani Cravajal on the right. 

Andres Inesta pivots the midfield and now has many deputies rising beneath his worshipped feet. Isco, Thiago Alcantara , Koke and Marco Asinso provide the right mix of energy and flair. 

But very strong mid field and defence will unsettle any team controlling possession and not letting opponent attacks growing. Little concern is front line. We are no sure veteran Diego Costa and Iago Aspas or young Rodriques can deliver killer punches in tight matches against strong opposition. 

Spain faces Portugal in the opening match. Much will depend how Spanish mid field and defence restricts Ronaldo. The brilliance of super star can tilt the balance. Morocco is another tough opposition.  If Spain advances will come across possibly Russia or Uruguay in pre quarter before meeting possibly Argentina.  Perhaps of all teams Spain is well equipped to contain Messi inspired Argentina. In recent time they blasted Argentina 6-1 in a friendly encounter. 

I won’t be surprised if Spain goes all the way. It is not beyond La Roja.

BDST: 1446 HRS, JUN 12, 2018
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