Champions of Europe at the last two times of asking and champions of the world in 2010, Spain enter Euro 2016 as one of the favourites as they look to complete a hat-trick beginning with a difficult first group match against Czech Republic.
While Xavi, David Villa and Carlos Puyol may have retired from international competition, La Furia Roja still possess one of the tournament’s most gifted squads and will see anything other than victory as a failure.
Croatia – Spain odds for Euro 2016
Qualifying Form
Spain entered qualifying as the team to beat, having secured the 2012 title in Poland and Ukraine and were drawn into Group C.
Only one team was able to knock off the European champions: Slovakia on matchday two, while only two teams were able to breach their defence. To put it in its simplest form, the Spaniards strolled through qualifying, winning nine matches, scoring 23 goals and only conceding three times.
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The Red Fury boasted a total of 13 different goalscorers on their way to qualification, with Valencia’s Paco Alcacer, who due to his subpar club form, is not selected for the tournament proper, hitting five.
Euros History
Spain are equal with Germany with a record three European Championship victories.
The Spaniards have won the last two editions of the tournament and will be looking to be the first team in history to go back-to-back-to-back in France.
Their first victory came when hosting the competition in 1964, defeating the Soviet Union 2-1 in front of almost 80,000 fans at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Under Luis Aragones, the Spanish hoisted the trophy in 2008 after they defeated Germany 1-0.
They would become the first side to ever record consecutive victories in 2012, steamrolling Italy 4-0 in the final to lift their third European Championship.
Strengths
Spain may well have the tournament’s best squad. With talent all over the park, it is difficult to find attributes that stand out ahead of the rest.
Possession will be key for this Spanish side, if they have the ball they will do damage, and it is more than likely that they will have the ball.
Playing through midfield maestro Andres Iniesta, the Spaniards will be able to hurt any side from any angle. Going forward they are slick, but they are just as astute at the back.
Sergio Ramos and Gerard Pique may be the tournament’s best defensive pairing and with Barcelona’s Sergio Busquets breaking up play in the middle of the park, opposing teams will struggle to penetrate them.
Weaknesses
Spain’s biggest weakness could very well turn into yet another strength, that is, their forwards. Deployed in Del Bosque’s favoured 4-3-3 with just one sole forward, Spain are yet to find a man that can hold that mantle and run with it.
One of Alvaro Morata or Aritz Aduriz will take the traditional number nine position with neither proven as international players. Should either fire, and prove the doubters wrong, it could be yet another string in Spain’s highly populated bow.
If neither does, it could cause concern for the team as an obvious outlet to goal is not apparent.
Predicted Finish – Finalists
La Furia Roja will rightfully enter Euro 2016 as one of the favourites – croatia-spain-2016.com
Their technical ability fused with the tactical acumen of their manager mean that knocking off the Spanish will be high on the list of things to do for any other contenders in France.
Exiting out of Group D should not be any problem despite its status as the so-called “group of death”.
When the competition becomes knockout, anything could happen but on paper alone, the only teams that should challenge the Spanish are Germany and host nation France.
As with any major competition, some things will have to fall in their favour but anything other than a win will be considered failure.
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