Spain

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The defending European Champions and the current World Champions head into Euro 2012 as unmatched favorites. With a galaxy of stars at their disposal (despite the absence of Villa & Puyol), La Furia Roja have an incredible chance to paint history with the World Cup sandwiched between two European Championships.

Formation & Tactics

 

In San Iker, Spain have one of the best goalkeepers in the world. Amassing a record 131 caps for Spain, Iker shows no sign of slowing down. With World class goalkeepers like Valdes and Reina on the bench, Spain have no shortage of talent even in the goalkeeping department. Defense is where Del Bosque is facing a bit of a headache. News of a growing rift between Barcelona and Real Madrid pairing of Pique and Ramos at the heart of Spain’s defense is a cause for concern with Bosque even shooting a warning at the players. Tensions aside – a couple of combinations are possible with Jordi Alba confirming his spot at LB in either of the cases. A CB pairing of Pique/Martinez with Ramos at RB or a pairing of Pique/Ramos with Arbeloa occupying the position on the right are both distinct possibilities. A Pique/Ramos pairing would lack a defensive leader with both having attacking instincts, so the inclusion of Martinez would be the right call shifting Ramos to RB strengthening the right as well.

Moving forward, the midfield of Spain is like a giant gold vault with infinite amount of talent. Xabi Alonso and Sergio Busquets are likely to occupy the deep lying roles in midfield with Xavi ahead of them. Silva & Mata’s form for club confirms that either of the two will start on the right of Spain’s attack with Iniesta on the left. Fabregas who has occupied a more attacking role with Barcelona could be substituted for Iniesta as the match progresses. The pace of Navas and Pedro can be utilized if Spain’s possession game is unable to break down defenses in the latter stages. The biggest blow for Spain is the unavailability of El Guaje – David Villa, Spain’s all time top scorer could not recover in time for the championships leaving the door open for compatriot Fernando Torres who has had an indifferent season with Chelsea.  Negredo of Sevilla and Llorente of Bilbao are also available as alternatives to spearhead the attack though Torres seems to be the more likely to start with the options and dynamics he can bring to Spain’s game.

Spain’s game play should not come off as a surprise to anyone with La Furia Roja expected to dominate possession. The clinical finishes of Villa will be hugely missed with Torres and the rest needing more than the one chance to score considering form & other factors. Xavi & Iniesta’s fatigue has been called into question ahead of the Championships but nothing less than the deft touches and turns are expected of the two. The ever-present Alonso and Busquets are expected to dominate the middle of the park with their passes and interceptions. Even with Torres needing to find form and club rivalries to be sorted out, Spain are the team to beat in Euro 2012.

Star Player – David Silva

Playing in the Premier League has definitely improved David Silva whose skill and passing ability have never been brought into question. Providing the most number of assists in 2011-12 BPL campaign helping Manchester City to their first ever title since 1968 is not a meager achievement. The eye of the needle passes and the gliding past defenders ability of Silva makes him our Man to watch for Spain in Euro 2012.

Prediction

 Despite recent defeats to England and Portugal and not so convincing warm-ups, Spain are clear favorites to win this year’s Championships. They have all the ingredients to reach the final and even become the first nation to win back- back European Championships.

Star Rating –5/5

 

Aamer Aslam