Spain’s 2022 World Cup journey was nothing short of calamitous. Starting strong with a commanding 7-0 victory over Costa Rica, the team’s fortunes quickly declined. A 1-1 draw against Germany and a 2-1 loss to Japan followed, casting doubt on their form and strategy. The nadir came with their elimination by Morocco in the Last 16, where Spain failed to convert any of their penalty kicks in what many regard as one of the worst shootout performances in international football history.
The fallout from this debacle was swift and significant. The squad underwent extensive changes, reflecting a need to rebuild and refocus. These changes seem to have paid off, as Spain breezed through their Euro 2024 qualification campaign, raising hopes that they can advance far in the tournament.
A Talent-Rich Team with Attacking Questions
Spain’s current squad boasts talent across the pitch, yet there are concerns about their attacking prowess. Alvaro Morata, now the team captain, is expected to shoulder much of the scoring burden. Morata, who needs just five more goals to surpass Fernando Torres as Spain’s third-highest goalscorer, will be crucial to Spain’s offensive efforts. However, questions remain about whether he can consistently deliver against top-tier defenses.
If Morata struggles, Spain will look to Joselu, the former Stoke and Newcastle player, known for his knack for scoring crucial late goals, as evidenced by his performances with Bayern Munich. The attacking duo will need to be at their best to complement Spain’s solid defensive foundation and convert their scoring opportunities into victories.
Strong Defense and Strategic Outlook
Under the guidance of manager Luis de la Fuente, Spain has cultivated a defensively robust team. Manchester City’s Rodri stands out as the squad’s star player, orchestrating play from the midfield with a commanding presence. His unbeaten run over the past year for both club and country speaks volumes about his influence and form.
Spain’s qualification for Euro 2024 was marked by dominance, securing seven wins out of eight matches and ranking third in goal-scoring with 25 goals. Despite a solitary loss to Scotland, they comfortably topped their group. The tournament’s format, which allows the top two teams from each group and four of the best third-placed teams to advance, sets the stage for Spain to potentially reach the semi-finals. However, a quarter-final exit appears more probable, especially given the competition from teams like Croatia and Italy.
Spain’s Euro 2024 campaign promises a blend of solid defense and strategic gameplay, but their success will hinge on their ability to find the net against stronger opponents. The squad’s evolution post-World Cup, combined with their strong qualification performance, sets up an intriguing narrative as they seek redemption and success on the European stage.
Midfield Dynamics and Attacking Prospects
Midfield control remains a cornerstone of Spain’s tactical approach, with Manchester City’s Rodri being a crucial figure. However, the composition of the midfield around him was still uncertain, particularly with Barcelona’s Gavi sidelined due to a long-term injury. The competition for the remaining midfield spots was intense, with Pedri, Fabian Ruiz, and Mikel Merino being the leading candidates. De la Fuente’s decision on this matter would be pivotal in shaping the team’s midfield dynamics.
Spain’s attacking prospects showed signs of evolution, especially on the wings. The emergence of 16-year-old Lamine Yamal from Barcelona and 21-year-old Nico Williams from Athletic Club brought new energy and directness to Spain’s attack. This shift suggested that Spain might adopt a more dynamic and pace-oriented approach on the flanks. However, the centre-forward position remained a concern. Alvaro Morata, despite his experience and reasonable record with the national team, had an underwhelming second half of the season with Atletico Madrid, casting doubts on his ability to lead the line effectively. Spain’s offensive success in the upcoming tournament would likely hinge on how well these young wingers could complement the more established, yet inconsistent, Morata.
In conclusion, Spain’s preparation under Luis de la Fuente for the upcoming tournament involves a blend of continuity and cautious optimism. With a stable defensive setup, evolving midfield dynamics, and promising young talents in attack, Spain aims to overcome past limitations and make a significant impact on the international stage.
SPAIN EURO 2024 FIXTURES & SCHEDULE
Group B
Saturday, June 15: Spain v Croatia, 5pm (Olympiastadion, Berlin)
Thursday, June 20: Spain v Italy, 8pm (Arena AufSchalke, Gelsenkirchen)
Monday, June 24: Albania v Spain, 8pm (Dusselford Arena, Dusseldorf)
SPAIN’S EURO 2024 SQUAD
GOALKEEPERS: Alex Remiro, David Raya, Unai Simon.
DEFENDERS:Aymeric Laporte, Robin Le Normand, Alex Grimaldo, Dani Carvajal , Dani Vivian, Jesus Navas, Nacho, Cucarella.
MIDFIELDERS: Mikel Merino, Fabian Ruiz, Alex Baena, Martin Zubimendi, Rodrigo, Pedri, Fermin.
FORWARDS: Alvaro Morata, Dani Olmo, Joselu, Lamine Yamal, Mikel Oyarzabal, Ayoze Perez, Ferran Torres, Williams Jr
