FastGoal
02-06-2018, 03:12 PM
Spain
FIFA World Ranking: 8
Qualifying Average Goals Per Match: 3.60
Qualifying Average Goals Against Per Match: 0.30
Qualifying Top Scorer: Diego Costa, Alvaro Morata, Isco and David Silva (5)
World Cup Best Performance: Winners (2010)
Group B Opponents: Iran, Morocco and Portugal.
The Manager: Julen Lopetegui
Former goalkeeper Lopetegui hasn’t really experienced any success in club level management, but having taken control of the Under 17, Under 19, Under 20 and Under 21 national sides, there are few more well versed in the Spanish system, or so familiar with the players strengths and weaknesses. Unbeaten in 18 matches since taking control of the senior side, he has certainly made an encouraging start.
The Squad:
The majority of the squad are based in La Liga, with over half of the 23 men to make the cut hailing from either Barcelona, Real Madrid or Atletico Madrid.
In David de Gea Spain possess the best goalkeeper in the world. Given their possession based game, he may not be called upon that often but can be relied upon when needed. Bags of experience in defence with Sergio Ramos and Gerard Pique joining forces in the centre and Jordi Alba marauding on the flanks. The loss of Dani Carvajal is however a blow.
It is as ever in midfield where no team in this tournament can match the quality possessed by Spain. Andres Iniesta may be in the twilight of his career but is still playing at an elite level. Sergio Busquets will be one of the best holding midfielders on display, whilst Isco and David Silva have the keys to unlock even the stingiest of defences. Then of course there is the emerging talent that is Marco Asensio who has looked just a little bit special since breaking into the Real Madrid side.
Up front things aren’t quite so rosy. The four strikers selected have only 35 caps between them, with Diego Costa expected to get the nod, although he has been far from prolific on the international stage to date.
Star Man: David Silva
At 32 this may well be the classy Silva’s last chance to shine on the World stage, his five goals in qualifying, and excellent season with Manchester City suggest he is in the form to do just that. Often elusive when breaking between the lines he is equally likely to provide the killer final ball as to finish one of Spain’s trademark passing moves himself.
Outlook:
Having disappointed at the last two major international tournaments, Spain now look to be firmly back on track. They conceded only three goals in qualifying and given their ability to keep the ball are probably the team in the competition you want to fall behind to the least. It may have only been a friendly, but the manner in which they dismantled Argentina 6-1 recently was a warning shot to all. Portugal in their first game will be their toughest test, but we see them getting through it and topping this group.
Group B Prediction: http://fastgoal.com/forum/index.php?topic=2452.0
https://i.imgur.com/fxHqUl9.jpg
FIFA World Ranking: 8
Qualifying Average Goals Per Match: 3.60
Qualifying Average Goals Against Per Match: 0.30
Qualifying Top Scorer: Diego Costa, Alvaro Morata, Isco and David Silva (5)
World Cup Best Performance: Winners (2010)
Group B Opponents: Iran, Morocco and Portugal.
The Manager: Julen Lopetegui
Former goalkeeper Lopetegui hasn’t really experienced any success in club level management, but having taken control of the Under 17, Under 19, Under 20 and Under 21 national sides, there are few more well versed in the Spanish system, or so familiar with the players strengths and weaknesses. Unbeaten in 18 matches since taking control of the senior side, he has certainly made an encouraging start.
The Squad:
The majority of the squad are based in La Liga, with over half of the 23 men to make the cut hailing from either Barcelona, Real Madrid or Atletico Madrid.
In David de Gea Spain possess the best goalkeeper in the world. Given their possession based game, he may not be called upon that often but can be relied upon when needed. Bags of experience in defence with Sergio Ramos and Gerard Pique joining forces in the centre and Jordi Alba marauding on the flanks. The loss of Dani Carvajal is however a blow.
It is as ever in midfield where no team in this tournament can match the quality possessed by Spain. Andres Iniesta may be in the twilight of his career but is still playing at an elite level. Sergio Busquets will be one of the best holding midfielders on display, whilst Isco and David Silva have the keys to unlock even the stingiest of defences. Then of course there is the emerging talent that is Marco Asensio who has looked just a little bit special since breaking into the Real Madrid side.
Up front things aren’t quite so rosy. The four strikers selected have only 35 caps between them, with Diego Costa expected to get the nod, although he has been far from prolific on the international stage to date.
Star Man: David Silva
At 32 this may well be the classy Silva’s last chance to shine on the World stage, his five goals in qualifying, and excellent season with Manchester City suggest he is in the form to do just that. Often elusive when breaking between the lines he is equally likely to provide the killer final ball as to finish one of Spain’s trademark passing moves himself.
Outlook:
Having disappointed at the last two major international tournaments, Spain now look to be firmly back on track. They conceded only three goals in qualifying and given their ability to keep the ball are probably the team in the competition you want to fall behind to the least. It may have only been a friendly, but the manner in which they dismantled Argentina 6-1 recently was a warning shot to all. Portugal in their first game will be their toughest test, but we see them getting through it and topping this group.
Group B Prediction: http://fastgoal.com/forum/index.php?topic=2452.0
https://i.imgur.com/fxHqUl9.jpg