On the verge of immortality, the Spaniards
don’t need any more motivation than the knowledge that if they win this
tournament they will become the first team from Europe to win three major
international tournaments in a row and script their name in the annals of World
football. Here’s a SWOT analysis of the team tipped by many to be the
hands-down favorites to win the Euro this year.
Strength:
Spain
defines “Total Football”. A Dutch concept it may have been but no one else than
Spain can execute it better. Their passing game is a treat to the eyes and with
the amount of possession they have, they bore the other teams to death. In
Vicente Del Bosque they have one of the best managers in the world. A shrewd
tactician, Del Bosque is known for his fine handling of superstars and boy, do
Spain have them by dozens! The one area which is their strength in particular
is the midfield. With Alonso, Busquets and Xavi in the centre and Silva and
Iniesta on the wide positions this midfield is one unstoppable force. In
Fabregas, Mata, Cazorla and Navas they do have ample back-up as well. In Iker
Casillas Spain arguably has the best modern day goalkeeper and an inform
Fernando Llorente and high on confidence Fernando Torres means the attack also
looks pretty pretty good. Spain play a brand of football that’s quiet soothing
to the eyes and that’s their biggest strength as well.
Weakness:
An
initial glance at the team sheet and it’s difficult to point out Spain’s
weakness because it’s not that apparent. But the absence of leader and star
defender Carles Puyol in a substantial void to fill and it may mean that Sergio
Ramos may have to leave his favorite position of right back for Arbeloa and
tuck in alongside Gerard Piquet in the center of defense. Is it a weakness that
other teams can exploit? Well that is to be seen in the coming three weeks. The
other area of weakness, as odd as it may sound is up-front. For all the
beautiful possession and passing game they play Spain at time do find it quiet
difficult to penetrate the defensive third of their opponents and the absence
of David Villa means that both Torres and Llorente have to play to the best of
their potential.
Opportunity:
As said earlier Spain has the golden opportunity
to achieve something that no other European side has ever managed to achieve,
three international titles in a row. They are on the cusp of making history and
that’s more than enough motivation for the players to bring their ‘A’ game out.
On an individual note, this tournament is the perfect opportunity for players
like Javi Martinez, Fernando Llorente and Jordi Alba to show the world what
they are capable of and also make a point that there is more to Spanish
football than just Barcelona and Real Madrid.
Threat:
There are some
highly talented side in this year’s Euro and none more so than the teams of
Netherlands and Germany and if Spain gets through to the semis which given
their current form is highly likely, they may end up meeting one of these two
sides. And both these sides are well capable of ending the dreams of La Roja to
be successive European champions. In-fact Spain’s group is also an unpredictable
one as well. The Spaniards may be thinking that the first match against Italy
might just be the toughest one in the group but they can discount the Croats
and the Irish at their own peril. Slavan Bilic is known to be a very shrewd
operator and with an in-form Luka Modric, the Croats may well give the
Spaniards a good run for their money. On the other hand you have the Irish who
are still sore because of the way they were denied a ticket to South Africa and
would be looking forward to this tournament to make a statement.
#Spain are the favorites and it’s hard to dispute that fact but if
anything, their position is a bit weaker than what it was during the World cup.
The master tactician Del Bosque must plan his every move carefully.
#Wildcards: Javi Martinez, Fernando Llorente and Jordi Alba {the new
recruits}
