Spain
Wednesday, 04 Jun 2008 00:00
Spain aiming for first major title in 44 years
Despite early stutters against Northern Ireland and Euro 2008 opponents Sweden, Spain's strongest squad in years powered through qualification to reach Austria and Switzerland.
Group D fixtures
Spain v Russia
Innsbruck, June 10th 17:00 BST
Live on BBC1
Sweden v
Spain
Innsbruck, June 14th 17:00 BST
Live on ITV1
Greece v
Spain
Salzburg, June 18th 19:45 BST
Live on ITV1
European Championship history
Ignominious for a nation which has contributed so much to the game. The solitary win in 1964 has been followed by quarter-final and first-round exits, including the awful 2004 campaign which ended Inaki Saez's managerial reign.
The man in charge
Luis Aragones -
not one of the most pleasant men in the game, with his infamous 'encouraging' remarks to Jose Antonio Reyes about Thierry Henry tarnishing his impressive coaching records.
But with Euro 2008 being his swansong - as Vicente del Bosque takes the reins come June 29th - and a bullish approach to defending his squad selection, the Spanish squad could have the cohesion and togetherness sorely missed in countless tournaments.
Could they conclude Aragones' career with a win?
Team forte
With the likes of Cesc Fabregas, Xavi Hernandez and Fernando Torres, there's no denying the wealth of flair at Aragones' disposal. And if Fabregas can recapture his early-season dominance and combine with the devastating finishing of Torres, there's not a team in Europe that could contain the Spanish.
Achilles heel
The formation. While Fabregas should be given the free role with which he lights up the Emirates Stadium, the necessity of accommodating the brilliant Xavi means the Arsenal midfielder may not exert the influence he is capable of.
Oh, and with Spain famed as perennially chokers at major tournaments, the pressure for a big win is going to weigh heavily on the squad's shoulders.
Player to watch
Fernandito, of course. Having beaten Ruud van Nistelrooy's scoring record for a debut Premier League season, the Liverpool striker must be the tournament favourite for the golden boot, unless Cristiano Ronaldo repeats his frankly ludicrous Premier League form.
If the Anfield man is at his best, he could end a 44-year Spanish wait for glory.
Chances of victory
On paper, there should be little to stand between Spain and victory. A squad blessed with talent and depth, an easy group - in comparison to France, Italy and the Netherlands' group of death - an enviable qualifying record and the chance to conclude their coach's career with a trophy.
But Spain have been earmarked as dark horses, potential winners and perennial underachievers so many times that it's hard to know which incarnation of the Spanish side will turn up for the tournament.
If Fabregas, Xavi and Torres can work from a strong defensive platform marshalled by Iker Casillas and Carlos Puyol, there's every chance of a Spanish win in Euro 2008.
But if the same mental frailties that have cost the side dear in the past creep back in, this could be another disappointing year. A good bet for the semis, but don't count on a win.
Squad
Goalkeepers
1 Iker Casillas
13 Andres Palop
23 Pepe Reina
Defenders
2 Raul Albiol
3 Fernando Navarro
4 Carlos Marchena
5 Carlos Puyol
11 Joan Capdevila
15 Sergio Ramos
18 Alvaro Arbeloa
20 Juanito
Midfielders
6 Andres Iniesta
8 Xavi Hernandez
10 Cesc Fabregas
12 Santi Carloza
14 Xabi Alonso
19 Marcos Senna
22 Ruben de la Red
Forwards
7 David Villa
9 Fernando Torres
16 Sergio Garcia
17 Daniel Guiza
21 David Silva