The Spanish sailed through qualifying, with their demolition of Italy in September being particularly impressive
Spain are one of the favourites in Russia (Getty Images)
Spain World Cup Fixtures, Squad, Group, Guide
“I wouldn’t want to face Spain at the 2018 World Cup,” said Lionel Messi. And by the end of their qualifying campaign, others must have felt the same way. Spain finished top of their group, and ultimately did so with an authority and assuredness that was unexpected after the way they exited the 2014 World Cup and the 2016 Euros.
Their progress was virtually secured when they outclassed Italy at the Santiago Bernabeu, going on to collect 28 points and score 36 goals, while conceding just three.
Their progress was virtually secured when they outclassed Italy at the Santiago Bernabeu, going on to collect 28 points and score 36 goals, while conceding just three.
Key Moments in Qualifying
Sep 2016
Hammering Liechtenstein 8-0 may not sound much, but Julen Lopetegui’s first game reveals a coach who is thoughtful about tactical shifts and is willing to change things.
Sep 2017
Led by Isco, Spain are superb as they beat Italy 3-0 to effectively decide the group.
Oct 2017
The Catalan independence referendum, which is declared illegal by the Spanish government, brings conflict to the surface and Gerard Pique is abused when training at Spain’s Las Rozas HQ. Later in the month qualification is confirmed with a 1-0 win in Israel.
Hammering Liechtenstein 8-0 may not sound much, but Julen Lopetegui’s first game reveals a coach who is thoughtful about tactical shifts and is willing to change things.
Sep 2017
Led by Isco, Spain are superb as they beat Italy 3-0 to effectively decide the group.
Oct 2017
The Catalan independence referendum, which is declared illegal by the Spanish government, brings conflict to the surface and Gerard Pique is abused when training at Spain’s Las Rozas HQ. Later in the month qualification is confirmed with a 1-0 win in Israel.
Spain World Cup Group
Spain will battle it out with Portugal for top spot in Group B, with Morocco and Iran filling out the other two positions.
Spain World Cup Friendlies
Spain started their 2018 international warm up matches for the World Cup against Mats Hummels and Germany on the 23rd of March, of which they drew 1-1. Then, guided by Isco, the Spanish hammered Argentina 6-1. A draw against Switzerland followed and finally they will play Tunisia on the 9th of June.
- 23rd March – Germany (drew 1-1)
- 27th March – Argentina (won 6-1)
- 3rd June – Switzerland (drew 1-1)
- 9th June – Tunisia
Spain World Cup Fixtures
Their toughest game is their first one, Portugal on the 15th of June. Spain should then go on to gain victories against Iran and Morocco on the 20th and 25th.
The Coach
Julen Lopetegui, age 51 (28.08.66)
Appointed after the last World Cup, the former under-21 coach has quietly made changes to the national team and introduced new variants while reinforcing its essence. He has demonstrated a willingness to open his mind to alternatives and bring in unexpected players, both young and old, and has so far sidestepped the inevitable and often affected “controversies”.
Appointed after the last World Cup, the former under-21 coach has quietly made changes to the national team and introduced new variants while reinforcing its essence. He has demonstrated a willingness to open his mind to alternatives and bring in unexpected players, both young and old, and has so far sidestepped the inevitable and often affected “controversies”.
Open-minded: Lopetegui has shown he is willing to bring in anyone to the Spain side. Will this work in Russia? (Getty Images)
The Players
Stars
Watching Isco take Giorgio Chiellini and Italy apart, and then glide around the Rosaleda in Spain’s penultimate game of 2017, it seems incredible to think that he didn’t make the final squad in 2014 and 2016. Outstanding this year, he will be the creative heart of the side in 2018.
Stalwart
David Silva has always been there, even if he perhaps didn’t get the recognition he deserved alongside illustrious team-mates like Iniesta and Xavi. He is the top scorer under Lopetegui, with 11 goals. And Jordi Alba is still around as well, flying up and down the wing, head back and legs whirring.
Missing
Diego Costa’s move from Chelsea to Atletico Madrid has been delayed by the club’s ban on incoming transfers. The deal will finally go through in January, but having played no club football for the past six months he is in a race to get match fit.
Stars
Watching Isco take Giorgio Chiellini and Italy apart, and then glide around the Rosaleda in Spain’s penultimate game of 2017, it seems incredible to think that he didn’t make the final squad in 2014 and 2016. Outstanding this year, he will be the creative heart of the side in 2018.
Stalwart
David Silva has always been there, even if he perhaps didn’t get the recognition he deserved alongside illustrious team-mates like Iniesta and Xavi. He is the top scorer under Lopetegui, with 11 goals. And Jordi Alba is still around as well, flying up and down the wing, head back and legs whirring.
Missing
Diego Costa’s move from Chelsea to Atletico Madrid has been delayed by the club’s ban on incoming transfers. The deal will finally go through in January, but having played no club football for the past six months he is in a race to get match fit.
Spain World Cup Squad
Preliminary World Cup Squad –
GOALKEEPERS: Pepe Reina (Napoli), David de Gea (Manchester United), Kepa Arrizabalaga (Athletic Bilbao)
DEFENDERS: Nacho Fernandez, Sergio Ramos, Dani Carvajal (all Real Madrid), Gerard Pique, Jordi Alba (both Barcelona), Alvaro Odriozola (Real Sociedad), Nacho Monreal (Arsenal), Cesar Azpilicueta (Chelsea)
MIDFIELDERS: Andres Iniesta, Sergio Busquets (both Barcelona), Saul Niguez, Koke (both Atletico Madrid), Isco, Marco Asensio (both Real Madrid), Thiago Alcantara (Bayern Munich), David Silva (Manchester City)
FORWARDS: Iago Aspas (Celta Vigo), Rodrigo (Valencia), Diego Costa (Atletico Madrid), Lucas Vazquez (Real Madrid)
Probable Starting XI
David De Gea, Jordi Alba, Sergio Ramos, Gerard Pique, Cesar Azpilicueta, Koke, Thiago Alcanatara, Andres Iniesta, David Silva, Isco, Diego Costa
Spain World Cup Injuries
Sergio Busquets has recently suffered a toe injury, but should be back for the World Cup.
Isco: He is arguably the biggest star in the Spanish team (Getty Images)
The Unanswered Questions
Can they keep up the current form?
After a recent friendly, Costa Rica’s coach said of Spain: “They move the ball with one touch and at devilish speed.” That will be the key to their game next summer – if they can maintain that speed of circulation at the end of a long season.
After a recent friendly, Costa Rica’s coach said of Spain: “They move the ball with one touch and at devilish speed.” That will be the key to their game next summer – if they can maintain that speed of circulation at the end of a long season.
Who plays up front?
Considering the squad selection Diego Costa is probably going to start. And then there’s Rodrigo, who is scoring goals for Valencia and Spain. Against Italy, they played without a fixed striker – something that even Alvaro Morata, the “victim” of the tactic, said was a good idea. Shockingly, Morata has failed to make the squad at all.
Considering the squad selection Diego Costa is probably going to start. And then there’s Rodrigo, who is scoring goals for Valencia and Spain. Against Italy, they played without a fixed striker – something that even Alvaro Morata, the “victim” of the tactic, said was a good idea. Shockingly, Morata has failed to make the squad at all.
Omitted: Alvaro Morata has failed to make the preliminary World Cup squad for Spain (Getty Images)
Is there room for someone new?
Julen Lopetegui has been very open minded about bringing players in, some call-ups coming seemingly out of the blue, and while the coach has been swift to call on those he worked with at under-21 level, he has also been willing to look beyond those. Even David Villa got a recall.
Julen Lopetegui has been very open minded about bringing players in, some call-ups coming seemingly out of the blue, and while the coach has been swift to call on those he worked with at under-21 level, he has also been willing to look beyond those. Even David Villa got a recall.
One “pivot” or two?
While the essence of the team’s approach remains the same, Lopetegui made tactical tweaks throughout qualification. Usually, Sergio Busquets has played alongside another midfielder – usually Koke, sometimes Saul, occasionally Thiago – but at times he plays alone with two “interiors” ahead of him to either side.
While the essence of the team’s approach remains the same, Lopetegui made tactical tweaks throughout qualification. Usually, Sergio Busquets has played alongside another midfielder – usually Koke, sometimes Saul, occasionally Thiago – but at times he plays alone with two “interiors” ahead of him to either side.
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