Spain still soaring a year since World Cup win
Reuters - Monday 11 July 2011, 10:59
MADRID - Spain have stuttered in a couple
of friendlies since their first World Cup triumph a year ago but
Vicente del Bosque's side are cruising through Euro 2012
qualifying and will be firm favourites to retain their title.
The euphoria left over from the dramatic extra-time victory
over the Netherlands in Johannesburg on July 11, 2010 was
tempered by a 4-1 defeat in Argentina in September and a 4-0
drubbing at the hands of neighbours Portugal two months later.
However, the continental champions have a perfect five wins
out of five in Euro 2012 qualifying and lead their group by six
points from the Czech Republic with three games left as they bid
to become the first country to win consecutive European
Championships with a World Cup in between.
Last month's 3-0 friendly win in Venezuela was their 39th
victory in 44 matches under Del Bosque, putting the former Real
Madrid player and coach one clear of his immediate predecessor
Luis Aragones to set a national record.
"Spanish football is in exceptional shape," Del Bosque was
quoted as saying in local media on Sunday.
"We can be optimistic and say that this time we are among
the favourites [for Euro 2012]."
At least for the next few years, Del Bosque can rely on a
stable squad built around Barcelona's European Champions League-winning side.
Record scorer David Villa is not yet 30 and remains one of
the most prolific strikers around, playmakers Xavi (31) and
Andres Iniesta (27) are second to none and Real Madrid's Iker
Casillas (30), the captain, a rock in goal.
EMERGING TALENT
Del Bosque is unlikely to make any significant changes
before next year's tournament in Poland and Ukraine, but Spain's
victory in last month's European Under-21 Championship shows
there is plenty of talent coming through if needed.
"The current squad is a stable one and there are not many
positions where we have to think about replacements," the
60-year-old said.
"There will only be changes when there is a guarantee that
someone coming in can perform better than the player we have
already.
"There won't be a revolution but instead the normal changes,
a step by step renewal that will be done naturally and at the
right moment."
In an interview with As sports daily published on Sunday,
Del Bosque singled out new Manchester United goalkeeper David de
Gea, midfielders Thiago Alcantara of Barcelona and Ander Herrera
of Real Zaragoza and Athletic Bilbao forward Iker Muniain as
Under-21 players to watch.
He has already used Bilbao midfielder Javi Martinez and
Valencia forward Juan Mata, who travelled to South Africa last
year with the senior squad before helping the Under-21 side to
victory in Denmark.
The down-to-earth Del Bosque, with his balding grey hair and
distinctive bushy moustache, knows his team cannot afford to
live off past achievements and is determined to maintain the
players' hunger for success.
"There is [a certain euphoria] but at the same time in the
knowledge that football right now is very equal and that games
are decided by small details," he said.
"We cannot be over-confident. The worst thing an athlete can
do is think he is superior to his rival.
"Having the [World Cup winner's] star on your shirt is very
nice but it's also a responsibility and an extra motivation for
your opponents."