FIFA World Cup 2018: Statistical Analysis of Spain

The 2010 FIFA World Cup Champions Spain faced a form dump in the last tournament. With another squad bolstering with world-class talent, the team will be looking amend the losses they have faced in the international competitions.

World Cup History:

Spain is making their eleventh appearance at the World Cup. Their best result has been winning the title in 2010 edition in South Africa.

Before winning the title, the team suffered from bad luck at the competition. Getting bad matchups or the team not living up to its potential caused them to be eliminated earlier than expected. They were once categorised as the best team to never win the World Cup.

However, things took a turn for the good for the nation when they won three international titles back to back from 2008 to 2012.

Sadly for them, they couldn’t continue that form up and were embarrassed by The Netherlands and Chile in 2014.

For the FIFA World Cup 2018 in Russia, Spain has a diverse squad of youth and experience. The roster is filled with players of unbelievable talent and potential. It will be the job of their new coach Julen Lopetegui to churn it out of them.

Spain is clubbed in Group B with Portugal, Iran, and Morocco.

Full Squad:

Goalkeepers: Pepe Reina (Napoli), David de Gea (Manchester United), Kepa Arrizabalaga (Athletic Bilbao).

Defenders: Nacho Fernandez, Sergio Ramos, Dani Carvajal (all Real Madrid), Gerard Pique, Jordi Alba (both Barcelona), Alvaro Odriozola (Real Sociedad), Nacho Monreal (Arsenal), Cesar Azpilicueta (Chelsea).

Midfielders: Andres Iniesta, Sergio Busquets (both Barcelona), Saul Niguez, Koke (both Atletico Madrid), Isco, Marco Asensio (both Real Madrid), Thiago Alcantara (Bayern Munich), David Silva (Manchester City).

Forwards: Iago Aspas (Celta Vigo), Rodrigo (Valencia), Diego Costa (Atletico Madrid), Lucas Vazquez (Real Madrid).

World Cup — Spain needs to redeem themselves after a forgetful last tournament. Photo Courtesy: Twitter

Probable Playing XI:

de Gea, Carvajal, Ramos, Pique, Alba, Busquets, Alcantara, Iniesta, Isco, Costa, Silva

Key Players:

David de Gea, Diego Costa, Andres Iniesta

Interesting Tidbit:

Spain became the first European nation in the history of football to win three international titles consecutively when they won the UEFA Euro 2008, FIFA World Cup 2010 and UEFA Euro 2012. This feat was unparalleled effort and achievement for the country that starved for success for many years in international football.