Page 12 - Soccer360 Issue 106

S360 PREDICTION | 5TH PLACE NICKNAME: LA ROJA
SPAIN
They might not be the all-conquering force that dominated world football
between 2008 and 2012, but Spain can be considered contenders to win 8
Euro 2024, according to Ian Waterhouse
EURO APPEARANCES: 11 EURO CHAMPIONSHIPS: 3
FIFA RANKING TH
SPAIN TO REIGN AGAIN?
Spain boast a perfect blend of both youth and experience as they look to return to
the glory years, but have plenty to put right at Euro 2024 after some poor showings at major tournaments over the past decade. A run to the semi-finals of Euro 2020 is their only noteworthy contribution during that time despite the many star names, although a somewhat unexpected triumph in the 2022-23 UEFA Nations League has restored hope of a renaissance.
The old guard of Dani Carvajal and Aymeric Laporte will ensure La Roja’s defence will take an immense effort to be breached
by the opposition while Rodri will pull the strings masterfully from midfield, allowing Pedri to marshal the side from box to
box. Then throw into the mix prodigious 16-year-old wide man Lamine Yamal and
it’s not hard to see why Luis de la Fuente’s men will be among the most feared sides heading to Germany this summer. However, like all sides there will be chances for the opposition as Scotland found out when they inflicted Spain’s only qualification defeat, recording a 2-0 win at Hampden Park. Since that reverse to the Tartan Army the Spaniards did go on to win all six of their remaining qualifying games scoring
22 goals in the process. Progression will
be well deserved for Spain though if they make it out of Group B as they will have to overcome reigning champions Italy, Croatia, and Albania in something of a group of death. They should have enough to go through, but performances here will give an early indication of their chances of going the distance.
PROBABLE STARTING XI
THE COACH:
LUIS DE LA FUENTE
Appointed in 2022 after almost 10 years coaching Spain’s age groups, Luis de la Fuente’s leadership of the senior side has gradually gathered momentum after a shaky start. Having overcome a defeat to Scotland early on in qualifying, he took them on a winning run and also secured success by winning the UEFA Nations League. Spain still retain their footballing philosophy under the 62-year-old, but his task here is to give them that extra clinical edge than at recent major finals.
KEY PLAYER:
RODRI
It took nearly everyone a few years to realise just how indispensable Rodri is to Manchester City, but now he’s revered in the same light
as clubmates Kevin De Bruyne and Erling Haaland. He has truly mastered the art of being the ultimate holding midfielder, but also carries a threat in attack. For Spain he keeps things ticking and acts as a near impenetrable barrier for opposing attacks. When Rodri plays, he very rarely ends on the losing side.
THEIR BEST THREE EUROS
1964
2008
2012
1ST
1ST
1ST
UEFA EURO OVERALL RECORD PLD:46 W:21 D:15 L:10
OLMO
LE NORMAND
TORRES
RODRI
MORATA
PEDRI
MERINO
CARVAJAL
GRIMALDO
SIMON
LAPORTE
FACTFILE
POPULATION:
47.4 million
EURO FINALS APPEARANCES: 11
BEST FINISH:
Winners 1964, 2008, 2012
MOST MEMORABLE EUROS MOMENT: Dispatching Italy in the 2012 final to seal a third successive tournament win.
HOW THEY GOT TO EURO 2024: Won seven
of their eight matches to top their qualification group.
LAST EUROS APPEARANCE: 2020 - Lost an entertaining semi- final on penalties to eventual champions Italy.
MOST CAPPED PLAYER: Sergio Ramos, 180
LEADING INTERNATIONAL SCORER: David Villa, 59
HOW TO FOLLOW:
DAVID VILLA
VS CROATIA VS ITALY VS ALBANIA JUNE 15TH JUNE 20TH JUNE 24TH 12:00PM | EST 3:00PM | EST 3:00PM | EST
10 SOCCER360 SUMMER 2024
GROUP B - UEFA EURO 2024