Can Spain forget their 2014 World Cup disaster?
Spain
FIFA ranking: 8
How they qualified: Finished top of UEFA qualifying group G
World Cup appearances: 14
Best result: Winners (2010)
Background
Spain caused a major shock last World Cup when they couldn’t even make it out of their group, after winning the 2010 World Cup. La Roja will be making sure that does not happen this time around. Spain have qualified for the 2018 World Cup by finishing top of their European qualifying group ahead of Italy, while also going unbeaten.
The Coach
Julen Lopetegui
A former Barcelona and Real Madrid goalkeeper, who was part of Spain’s 1994 World Cup squad, Lopetegui was appointed to succeed Vicente Del Bosque after Euro 2016. Prior to taking charge of Spain, he had coached FC Porto and Spain’s youth teams, winning both the U-19 and U-21 European Championships.
Star Man
Sergio Ramos
Ramos is Spain’s second-most capped player and is closing in on Iker Casillas’ all-time record of 167. He also captains La Roja and was a key player in the teams that won two European Championships and one World Cup between 2008 and 2012.
Starting XI
World Cup Chances
Drawn in group B with fierce rivals Portugal, Morocco and Iran, everyone expects Spain and Portugal to make it to the knockout stages. Spain have a strong squad as in previous tournaments, and La Roja will be hoping that their 2014 slip will be quickly forgotten. While many people are talking about Brazil, Germany and France amongst the most likely to win the 2018 World Cup, Spain could quietly sneak in and win their second World Cup.
Transfer Watch
Rodrigo
Rodrigo is set for his first World Cup with Spain, after scoring 19 goals with Valencia this season across all competitions. He has been linked with moves to Bayern Munich, Arsenal and Real Madrid. The forward spoke about his future and said he is happy at Valencia, but who knows what might happen after the World Cup. He is a player to watch.