Euro 2008 Preview : Spain
Spain a team so talented yet so flawed come into Euro 2008 hoping to erase the near endless list of disappointing exits in major competitions since winning this competition back in 1964.
Spain vs Sweden highlites from Euro 2008 qualifying.
Thankfully the memory after Spain’s group stage exit at Euro 2004 seems far away. Unfortunately part of that is due to Spain losing against France in the round of 16 at the last World Cup. In that game they were up 1-0 only to lose 2-1.
Really what can you say about this team that hasn’t already been said. They are stacked from goal onwards with world class goalie Iker Casillas being joined by the likes of Carles Puyol, Cesc Fàbregas, David Villa, and Fernando Torres. All World Class in their own right.
The big story leading up to Euro 2008 in the exclusion of Real Madrid favorite and all time leading Spanish goal scorer Raul. Nothing against Raul but I would rate both Villa and Torres ahead of Raul. If Spain are to push onwards toward the 2010 World Cup its better to have Villa and Torres feature now. Yes the questions regarding Raul will cause a distraction leading up to Euro 2008 but if Spain gets off to a quick start those questions will quickly fade.
Key Player – Iker Casillas
Another tough choice picking a key player. If Spain are to succeed at Euro 2008 it could be any number of key players that will lead this team. Ended up choosing Casillas based on his Real Madrid form throughout the season. He was the backbone of Real Madrid’s title season. A claim I supply could not make with any of the other World Class players listed.
Group D Outlook
I don’t expect Spain to bow out after the group stages again. I do expect Spain to look like world beaters in the group stage only to disappoint in the knock out round.
Sinnacle Prediction 1st in Group D