Here we are, a week before the start of tournament, and all eyes glued to the moves of the team that shock world with its ability to Dribble, Pass and Score…
Spain’s defending champion title would at stake this year and the chances of retaining that are scarce but not impossible. Not to forget the only goal in added time that divided the teams in last final. Also the recent loss against Brazil in Federation cup also adds to the emotional pressure.
Vicente Del Bosque is the lead coach since last FIFA outing for Spain and has the responsibility to hold the title in the current tournament. Tough well experienced and most suitable for the job, he still would be facing modern football wherein the tactics of his team would be under scrutiny. Hence he needs to constantly adjust tactics to get the upper edge.
Also the renowned technique Tiki -Taka, hired from the FC Barcelona and used in the important semi final match against Germany in the last edition, to trash the all-star side to a overwhelming victory could be seen to be decoded and worked upon. Hence the Bosque lead support staff needs to analyse a new version of passing that would be rather aggressive than defensive.
However half the squad is facing some form of injury post a prolonged La-Liga and UEFA champions trophy, hence fitness of the squad could a serious issue.
Iniesta, who lone scored the goal in the FIFA final of 2010 at Johannesburg, which resulted in the winning goal in the death (116’min.) is assumed to be troubling from sorts of injuries. Spaniards would hope for his recovery before the Pre-up and group stages as Iniesta is the wall of defence in middle for Spain.
Thus World cup is quite different from UEFA or La Liga and one must not forget that the nationality of players differs from domestic league to international squads. Hence the Spaniards won’t have the services of their league top scorers like Massi and Ronaldo. Hence the turf which is foreign will also take its toll. Never the less, Spain has quite a lot trick under their sleeves to be undermined.
-Vibhav Galadagekar
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