Breaking down the Spanish challenge at the Euros. Euro 2016: Spain – The Spanish team poses a major challenge for the Euros and is one heck of a team to beat. The defending champions had a disastrous campaign at the world cup finals last year where they were humiliated 5-1 by Netherland (The same Netherlands who failed to qualify for the Euros this year). The campaign ended in Spain being eliminated from the group stages that certainly will not be the case in Euros cause of the easier seeding.
Breaking down the Spanish challenge at the Euros
The first look at the Spanish team for the Euros make them instant favorites to lift the trophy. They have fresh legs like Alvaro Morata, Saul Miguel and Lucas Vasquez who are ready to prove them on the national level and some older faces that include midfield maestros David Silva, Cesc Fabregas and Andres Iniesta (who might be playing his last Euros). The Spanish team has everything that can make them the champions, but the nerves can get better of them this time just like it did in Brazil two years ago.
Strength
It has been a history that great teams have always had the best goalkeeper with them and Spain was blessed as they reaped the services of one of the greatest goalkeepers ever, Iker Casillas who is also playing in this year’s Euros. De Gea Appeared in EURO 2016 stepped right into his shoes and has become Spain’s first choice goalkeeper so they don’t to worry as far as goalkeeper department is concerned because they have the best guy in between the sticks. The performance of David de Gea can be crucial for Spain, especially as he would be tested against the European giants.
The defense also doesn’t pose any problem at all for Spain because they have two of the best center backs Gerard Pique and Sergio Ramos. The defenders hail from the fiercest rivals in Spanish club football that is Real Madrid and Barcelona but when it comes to Spain they have been a formidable pair and Apart from defending both of the guys can also pose a threat in the air. When it comes to wingback Spain are blessed with a great pool that includes Jordi Alba, Juan fan, Caravajal and Azpilicueta who can dictate attack for their team in the wide areas.
One thing where Spain can deeply relax about is its midfield as they are blessed with the best midfield in the Europe. The midfield trio of David Silva, Cesc Fabregas and Andres Iniesta who have blunders of creativity with them and to complement them Spain have coke and Sergio Busquets. The attack is also highly blessed by having the likes of Pedro, Morata and the 35-year-old Ariz Aduriz who has played brilliantly for Athletic Bilbao for the last two seasons.
Weaknesses
The one particular weakness that can be highlighted in this Spanish squad is having a quality and experienced striker. Alvaro Morata and Aduriz have been impressive but don’t have enough experience of playing at international level. This is where the omission of Diego Costa and Fernando Torres can haunt them.
The stubbornness of Vincent Del Bosque to field new players can also become a weakness of this Spanish team, which was one good reason for the disaster in Brazil. Though Del Bosque, this time, has learned the importance of experimenting, but is still reluctant and wants to stick to the same old policies when it comes to midfield.
Spain’s playing style is well known to all other 24 Countries in EURO 2016. They brand the Tiki Taka that is adapted from the Barcelona way of playing style, but the teams have found a way to deal with it and failing to adapt according to the situation can be fatal for the Spanish team’s chances at this year’s Euros.
