They are the world champions and with it favourites to win the World Cup. If they play to their potential, a title-defense isn’t very far. Krishnaraj Singh Jasana tells you about a phenomenon this summer known as Spain
In Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, as one moves higher up in life the motivation level also goes up. While all teams at the 2014 World Cup are fighting each other, world champions Spain will be fighting themselves. Being on top is run-of-the-mill for them, finding that reason that can spur them to the podium once again is the necessity.
And, they have reason to be in this position. They are the defending champions, after winning the tournament in South Africa in 2010. They are the best side in the world as they are ranked No.1 in the FIFA rankings going into the World Cup. They have been on the top of that list for over two years straight now. In fact, they have dominated that rank since 2008 and in between Brazil and The Netherlands have been number one for brief periods. As a result, they were voted as the Team of the Year six times in a row -from 2008 to 2013. They are the only team in history to defend the UEFA Euro championships in 2012 after winning the trophy in 2008. And, also the only ones to win the WC after winning the EURO Cup.
But then, if they have dominated, there are many more milestones for the Spanish armada to conquer. For starters, they have a chance to become the first team in 52 years to defend a WC title - only two teams have done that in history of WC, Italy in 1934 and 1938 and Brazil in 1958 and 1962. Then, they can become the only side to retain both WC and EURO titles. They can also beat a negative trend - the fact that none of the winners in the last three WC’s before 2010 have fared well in the following tournament - France and Italy did not go past the league stage in 2002 and 2010 while Brazil were eliminated in the quarter-final in 2006. Another added motivation would be that this time they can try and win all their matches - in 2010 they had a surprise 0-1 defeat in their first match against Switzerland. And, finally, last year in what was a pre-cursor to Brazil 2014, Spain had lost to Brazil 3-0 in the final of the Confederations Cup held in Brazil. At that time, there was talk of a de-motivated and ageing side. la Roja can put all those questions to rest once and for all if they are on the podium come July14th.
So, the Vicente Del Bosque coached side have so much to look forward to.
And they can achieve everything they want because what they have is almost a dream team. There are the wonder men Xavi Hernandez and Andres Iniesta. Though the 34-year-old Xavi is not in the best of form but has been the architect for many a Spain wins and how and when is he used during the quadrennial event would interest one and all. Add Sergio Busquets and Xabi Alonso — because of their experience — to the two of them and there still is a variety of options from Cesc Fabregas, David Silva, Santi Cazorla, Juan Mata and Koke to choose from in case Spain play five mid-fielders — both attacking and defending ones.
And, numerous defenders is also their forte with Sergio Ramos, Gerard Pique and Jordi Alba forming the core but Carles Puyol, who has retired, would be missed in the centre.
Captain Iker Casillas has not been the automatic choice as goalkeeper for his club Real Madrid this year, though he played in the Champions league final, which the team won. So, is it now a case of him being a regular for the big matches or under Del Bosque, things will be differentIJ
A little hitch could be the fact that striker Diego Costa has a lingering leg injury while others — Pedro Rodrigues, Fernando Torres and David Villa — look very strong on paper, are not in excellent form.
Spain start their World Cup defense in a re-match of 2010 final against The Netherlands in Group B, and though they may not go hard in their opener, there may be indications of the mental state of this great team of the modern era. Chile and Australia games are to follow — they would hope that the first one isn’t a dampener for the world champions.
SQUAD
Goalkeepers: Iker Casillas, Pepe Reina, David de Gea
Defenders: Cesar Azpilicueta, Sergio Ramos, Gerard Pique, Javi Martinez, Raul Albiol, Jordi Alba, Juanfran Torres
Midfielders: Xavi Hernandez, Sergio Busquets, Xabi Alonso, Santi Cazorla, Cesc Fabregas, David Silva, Andres Iniesta, Koke , Juan Mata
Forwards: Pedro Rodriguez, Fernando Torres, David Villa, Diego Costa