World Cup 2010 - The Strengths of the Spanish Football Squad
The final countdown of the World Cup has begun and the preparations are in their finalization stage. All eyes are on the host nation, for their enthusiasm and the love for the game, and the Vicente Del Bosque’s men, for their unchallenged rule in the sport for the last three years. The only major slip-up by the Spanish National side came when they lost the Semi-final of the Confederations Cup last year against USA. But, still all the pundits are backing Spain as the favourites for the World Cup and quite a few have tagged other teams, like Germany and England. One thing is for sure, that if Spain does not emerge victorious then it would be a major upset in the World of Football.
Therefore, it is very important to look at the strengths and the weaknesses of the Spanish side. We shall start with the goal-keeper, the basic defence line, and the Spanish have the Super-Man Iger Casillas as their first choice. Right now, he is regarded as the best in the world in his particular position, and the Spanish could not have hoped for a better choice. He is the man to be worried by all the other teams for his potential to bring out outstanding performances on many occasions. He has already proven his mettle for the Real Madrid side and for his National team in the last Euro Cup. His ability to save important goals in matches and to do amazing feats on the front of goals is definitely an advantage for the Spanish side.
The Spanish defence, the wall in front of the keeper, is also world class. The probable first team choices would be Carlos Puyol, Garrard Pique, Sergio Ramos and Arbeloa. All these players have been playing for the world class club sides and they all have the potential to challenge any sort of attack. The keeper could not hope for any better defensive line than this one, which would make the job of Casillas much easier. Puyol has been the captain of Barcelona side for quite some time now and his confidence must be sky-high, because of the club performances he had been getting. Garrard Pique has proved to be another excellent defender for Barcelona, and he is now the regular first team choice for Guardiola. Sergio Ramos and Arbeloa both play for Real Madrid side and they have proven to be very good while attacking as well as defending. The back five, including the keeper, would be a nightmare for any other team in the Finals.
Coming to the midfield, again, the Spanish side has some World-Class midfielders. Sergio Busquests, a Barcelona youngster, would play a pivotal role in helping the defenders and holding the ball in the midfield. Although he is still young, but he has his confidence, as he was the regular first choice for the manager throughout the year. Xavi, the anchorman in the midfield, is the best player in the Spanish side right now. His ability to play the ball all over the field and his insight to look for key passes in the field, make him the best among his counterparts. He is the one to worry about, as he can disrupt any sort of defence. Andreas Iniesta and David Silva would be playing the role of wingmen, and again they are among the best in their respective positions. This midfield clearly indicates that the Spanish mid-field has the potential to hold the ball for long periods, to unsettle their opponents, and make a move when there would be an opening.
The strike force of Spain, David Villa and Fernando Torres, both are the deadliest and the best in their positions. Their ball control, passing and finishing, everything is exceptional. A terrifying duo, both these strikers would give any opponent the hardest times of their lives. Thus, the Spanish Side for the World Cup looks strong and steady, and it seems that right now nothing can rise to the challenge of the Del Bosque’s side.
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