Coach : Luis Aragones
A short-tempered old man more famous in Europe for his racist rant about Thierry Henry than his coaching, Aragones took over in 2004 having previously turned the job down. An accomplished club coach, Aragones is expected to capitalise on Spain's quality squad.
Key Players:
With Raul's star on the wane, Fernando Torres will be expected to come of age as Spain's main striker. `El Nino' is still regarded as an up-and-coming player by many, and will be 22 by the time the finals arrive. Good in the air and lightning fast, he gets into great positions only to waste chances with wayward finishing.
Form Guide:
Typically underachieving, Spain needed to go via the play-offs to book a place at the finals. After they laboured to second in their group behind Serbia and Montenegro, they faced Slovakia in the play-off and finally found their form to qualify.
Form Versus Countries In Group:
Spain have not crossed paths with any of their group opponents in the World Cup finals.
Style Of Play:
Too individual as far as the Spanish fans are concerned. Excellent players used to playing at the top level, but who fail to gel or perform to their capabilities when it matters most.
Group Verdict:
Same old story. Spain should romp home, but whether they do remains to be seen. It is difficult to imagine them missing out on a place in the last 16 altogether, though.
|
