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World Cup Profile: Spain national football team

By Chiranjib Ghosh

ALICANTE, SPAIN - OCTOBER 06: Marco Asensio of Spain looks on during the FIFA 2018 World Cup Qualifier between Spain and Albania at Estadio Jose Rico Perez on October 6, 2017 in Alicante, Spain. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)
ALICANTE, SPAIN - OCTOBER 06: Marco Asensio of Spain looks on during the FIFA 2018 World Cup Qualifier between Spain and Albania at Estadio Jose Rico Perez on October 6, 2017 in Alicante, Spain. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images) /
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The Spanish are one of the favorites to lift the World Cup.

As Julen Lopetegui shepherds Spain into the World Cup in Russia, it is a period of transition for the relatively young Spain side. The golden age of technically-gifted players like Xavi, Andrés Iniesta, Sergio Ramos and David Villa is coming to an end.

The team which won three international tournaments on the trot, the 2008 Euros, the 2010 World Cup and the 2012 Euros, is a thing of the past. Key players in those squads, like Iker Casillas, Xavi and Carles Puyol, have already retired while Andrés Iniesta and Gerard Piqué are on the verge of retirement.

But the squad selected by Lopetegui has a perfect blend of youth and experience. Between the sticks, La Roja will be missing the experience of Iker Casillas, who holds the record for the most caps for the national team. But the ex-Real Madrid custodian has an able successor in David de Gea.

In defense, Gerard Piqué and Sergio Ramos form a formidable pairing in the middle. They are two of the best headers of the ball, and the pairing is perhaps the most explosive in the world. Their offensive nature may result in bookings, but they can get the job done.

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The pacy Barcelona full-back Jordi Alba and versatile Chelsea defender César Azpilicueta are expected to man the flanks, with plenty of experience and stamina between them. And they are properly backed up by veteran Nacho Monreal and youngster Álvaro Odriozola.

But Spain’s brilliance lies in its midfield. Despite losing stalwart Xavi after the debacle in Brazil four years back, the midfield retains the crafty Andrés Iniesta and the reliable Sergio Busquets. But Real Madrid stars Isco and Marco Asensio are expected to rule the midfield.

They have developed well under the watchful eye of Zinedine Zidane, and are potential difference-makers at the World Cup. Julen Lopetegui also has a host of other options, including David Silva, Koke, Thiago and Saúl, all of whom are expected to make a contribution at some stage of the competition. In fact, Thiago and Silva may be in for a starting spot too.

Up top, Lopetegui has omitted several high-profile names. But he has chosen form over reputation, which is a huge factor. Iago Aspas and Rodrigo will compete with each other over a spot in the first-team, while Lucas Vázquez should expect to occupy a super-sub role.

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If Julen Lopetegui continues to implement the direct tactics that he has been using, Spain could become an unstoppable force and may be in contention for a place in the final at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow.

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