Spain - the greatest international team of all time?

Spanish dynasty continues with third successive major tournament win

(c) braveheartsports, Flickr

Spain peaked at the perfect time during Euro 2012 to sweep aside Italy with a 4-0 final win in Kiev; a win which left very few doubting who the world's best footballing nation is.  Having become the first team to retain the European Championship – and doing this either side of victory at World Cup 2010– the question is now being asked as to whether this Spanish side is the greatest international team of all time.  Vicente Del Bosque's men certainly deserve to be mentioned in the same breath as the Brazilian side of 1970 and the West German side of 1990, as they are currently in a class of their own.  But it is worth stepping back and taking a look at the strengths of this Spanish side as they were crowned European Champions – again.

Injuries ruled David Villa and Carlos Puyol out of the tournament.  Had Villa been fit, it is unlikely that Del Bosque would have adopted a 4-5-1/4-6-0 formation with Cesc Fabregas as the most forward player.  This begs the question as to whether Fabregas, who performed strongly throughout Euro 2012, would have been a regular starter in the side, despite a fine debut season with Barcelona.  The former Arsenal midfielder was influential in this tournament, scoring two goals and setting up several more.  But had Villa been available, his opportunities may have been limited.

Puyol's absence was also intriguing.  The centre back pairing of Puyol and Gerard Pique has become an increasingly successful force both at both club and international level, but injury to the 34-year old forced Del Bosque to make a change.  Sergio Ramos, who plays more predominantly as a full back for Real Madrid, stepped in at centre back and was solid throughout the tournament both in defence and attack – despite playing (arguably) out of position.  Had Puyol been available, Ramos would almost certainly have been utilised as a full back, and Spain's defence may not have been as watertight (La Furia Roja conceded just one goal in six games).

Ten of Spain's starting eleven for the final against Italy were named in UEFA's Team of the Tournament.  The teams with the second highest number of representatives were Germany and Italy, with four players respectively.  Andrés Iniesta was named UEFA Player of the Tournament, and Fernando Torres won the Golden Boot, despite only playing the equivalent of slightly more than two games worth of football at Euro 2012 (the Chelsea striker was on the field for just 188 minutes plus added time).  And until the final, Spain rarely seemed to get out of second gear.  Each individual Spanish player could be singled out for high praise for their performance at Euro 2012, but it would take forever, and much of it goes without saying.

Questions will be asked as to how long this Spanish dynasty will continue.  Xavi Hernandez, Carlos Puyol and Xabi Alonso will be huge losses when their international playing days are over (all three are aged 30 or over), but with the likes of Jordi Alba and Javi Martínez coming through the ranks, there is no reason why Spain cannot continue to dominate with Del Bosque at the helm.  Many already consider them to the best international side of all time; however, the sign of true dominance would certainly be to win the World Cup in 2014 in Brazil, and thus become the first non-South American side to win a World Cup on South American soil.  Another tournament win would also make it three from three for Del Bosque, and Spain are surely already the favourites to lift the trophy two years from now.  

Euro 2012: Quarter-Final Preview

Heavyweights look set to lead the way into the last four

With the group stages of Euro 2012 now over, two of my three dark horses (Croatia and Russia) have been eliminated. Underdogs Greece escaped from Group A, while the Netherlands fell far short of expectation by failing to register a single point in Group C. With only two teams surprising in making the last eight, it is difficult to see where there will be an upset.  Here's a look at all four quarter-final matches.

Neither Poland nor Ukraine were able the most of home advantage at Euro 2012

© Cyril Attias, Flickr

  

Czech Republic v. Portugal

It is arguable that either of these two teams making the knockout stages is a surprise.  The Czech Republic finished top of arguably the weakest group, but had to overcome a 4-1 thrashing in their first game at the hands of Russia – who were favourites to qualify.  Similarly, Portugal needed to win their final two games in the 'group of death' after defeat to Germany – but Paulo Bento's side still looked as though they could be a contender despite losing their opening match. They proved that with back-to-back wins over Denmark and the Netherlands and Portugal should advance to the semi-finals at the expense of the Czechs.  Cristiano Ronaldo needs to perform to the same level as he did against the Netherlands.

Prediction: Czech Republic 0 Portugal 2

Germany v. Greece

Germany were certainly the favourites in Group C and certainly did not disappoint, even despite a sluggish performance in their 1-0 win over Portugal.  They were the only side in the group stages to win all three games, and look good value to at least make the semi-finals.  Most people wrote Greece off before the tournament began, but a surprise win over Russia in their final group game saw them edge into the knockout stages.  Defeating Germany at this stage would certainly give Fernando Santos the belief that his side could set up a Euro 2004 final rematch against Portugal. But Greece scored the lowest number of goals among qualifying teams (tied with France), while Germany conceded the least (tied with Italy).  Germany's powerful front four of Mario Gomes, Lukas Poldolski, Thomas Müller and Mesut Özil should be too much for Greece to handle.

Prediction: Germany 2 Greece 0

Spain v. France

France finished as runners-up to England in Group D after a disappointing 2-0 defeat to already-eliminated Sweden.  That result could come back to haunt them as they now face world champions Spain who, despite having been inconsistent in their first three games, have the depth in squad to cause teams problems all over the pitch.  They almost came undone against a determined Croatia side, but came up with the decisive goal when they needed it.  They were also the only team to keep two clean sheets in the group stages.  France looked impressive against England and Ukraine in qualifying and they will need to perform to the same level in order to stand any chance in the quarter-finals.  Yohan Cabaye has impressed for Les Blues so far, and the battle will be won and lost in midfield. Definitely an interesting match to keep an eye on.

Prediction: Spain 2 France 1

England v. Italy

This is the most interesting of the four quarter-final match-ups, because neither of these two sides had a comfortable route out of their respective groups.  Using that argument, either of these two sides advancing to the last four would be an upset.  England have already done what Roy Hodgson asked of them (reach the quarter-finals), and he now has a full strength squad with Wayne Rooney's two game ban now over. Rooney, who scored the winning goal against Ukraine, looked a little rusty, and Italy's defensive options are likely to frustrate England. It could take another inspired substitution to break them down.  Manchester City team-mates Joleon Lescott and Mario Balotelli will be an interesting match-up to watch.  I wouldn't expect many goals in this game, and I think it will be decided in extra-time.

Prediction: England 1 Italy 0 (a.e.t)

World Cup 2010 - World Cup Final Preview

I've said it before; I'm not great at predicting the outcomes of games. My bet365 account history will tell you that. However, the World Cup final between Holland and Spain is a very interesting match up, and so it's worth looking into it a little further.

Here's my breakdown of the final:

History

Spain

Although Spain were the winners of Euro 2008, this is their first visit to the final of this tournament. Their previous best finish in the World Cup was a fourth place finish in a round robin tournament in 1950, as no official final was held.

Holland

Also considered as one of the best teams never to have won the World Cup, the Dutch finished as runners-up in 1974 and 1978, losing to West Germany and Argentina respectively. Holland's last major tournament success was winning Euro 1988, defeating the Soviet Union 2-0.

Form

Spain

Under coach Vicente del Bosque, Spain have only failed to win four of their last 54 games. They won all their games in qualifying for the World Cup, and have won their last five in this tournament, despite losing their opening game against Switzerland 1-0.

Holland

A 25 game unbeaten run and a 100 percent qualifying record puts them in good stead for a tough final. Holland have scored twelve times in six games in this tournament, finding the back of the net in each of those games.

How they line up

It's possible that Fernando Torres will start his second game in a row on the bench for Spain after a disappointing tournament so far, with Barcelona's youth star Pedro likely to play alongside David Villa. Gregory van der Wiel and and Nigel de Jong are expected to be recalled to the Dutch side, after both missing the semi-final against Uruguay.

How they match up

Interestingly, these two teams have never met at the World Cup before. If Pedro does start for Spain, seven of the starting eleven are Barcelona players. This familiarity will be beneficial for them. Carlos Puyol and Gerard Piqué will have their hands full as Holland like to push forward with Wesley Sneijder and Arjen Robben.

Who has the edge?

I've got to go with Spain in this one. The reason for this is because this team has improved in every game they've played in this tournament, and Holland haven't really hit top gear yet. Spain are going to make it very difficult for Holland to do this in the final. David Villa has been excellent in this tournament, and the midfield was suffocating against Germany. Whilst Sneijder poses a huge threat for Holland, the depth possessed by Spain in the form of Xavi, Xabi Alonso, Andres Iniesta and Sergio Busquets will be tough to break down. Cesc Fabregas and David Silva are strong options off the bench, too. I think the midfield is where this game will be won and lost. Holland must get Dirk Kuyt and Robin Van Persie more involved and threaten that Spanish defence. It will be close, and extra-time may come into it, but I can see Spain lifting the trophy on Sunday.



So, me and Paul the psychic octopus agree. I can sleep soundly tonight now. Your thoughts, predictions and comments are appreciated. Here's hoping for a great final tomorrow night.


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