La Furia Roja will be looking to become the first side to retain their World Cup crown in over 50 years.

Well-established, yet still aspiring to join a very elite group

As a result of their winning three consecutive international titles--the 2010 World Cup, sandwiched by two EUROs in 2008 and 2012, many pundits have named Spain as not just the best team in the world, but among the best of all time. Yet, despite this recent dominance, La Furia Roja have largely disappointed at past World Cups, with the only time they ever made it into the top four being back in 1950, when Uruguay were crowned champions and they finished behind Brazil and Sweden.

Still, in the form that they have been in on the international front, it would be hard to find anyone to not include the Iberian nation among the favourites to be on the winners' podium in July. Yet, only two sides in World Cup history have the honour of being consecutive victors: the first was Italy back in 1934 and 1938, and the second, this year's hosts Brazil in 1958 and 1962.

Nonetheless, Vincente del Bosque's men are presently the no. 1 side in the world as per FIFA and naturally, of course, are the leaders among the thirteen European sides heading to the tournament.  And despite falling 3-0 to Brazil during the 2013 Confederations Cup Final that ended their 29-game unbeaten streak, they still by far have the quality and talent to become the third side to successfully retain their World Cup title.

Marching towards another world title

This qualifying campaign represented the first time in history that an incumbent winner had to battle it out in order to secure their place in the upcoming tournament. Interestingly though, Spain had to play a couple less matches than everyone else due to their group having one less team, but had no difficulty finishing top of the pack unbeaten and three points ahead of France. Barcelona striker Pedro finished as his side's top marksman with four goals, followed by Manchester City's Alvaro Negredo, then Blaugrana defender Jordi Alba and Real Madrid's Sergio Ramos with two each.

All in all, seven players combined to produce the team's 14 goals, the second highest among the five teams and their solid back-line just let in three, by far the strongest out of any of the teams participating across the continent.

Some tough choices for del Bosque

Like the team he manages, Vincente del Bosque is a highly decorated and respected figure in the football world. The former midfielder, who spent a lengthy spell with 10-time UCL winners Real Madrid back in the 1970's and 80's, is the only coach to have won the Champions League, a European title, and a World Cup.

Yet, given the caliber of personnel who don the national team jersey, it was only natural that there would be some surprising exclusions and some interesting inclusions when he announced his selection for this summer's tournament. For instance, players such as Real Madrid's Isco were omitted while others like Koke from Atletico Madrid were given a chance to shine in Brazil.

And, then there's the curious case of Brazilian-born Diego Costa, who opted to snub his homeland in favour of the reigning World Cup champions, and should he be healthy enough to play, it will be interesting to see how he is received when returning to his native country.

Key figures

Not surprisingly, given that they are the no. 1 side in the world Spain is stacked with a plethora of talent from Europe's biggest leagues, notably La Liga and the Premier League. Captain Iker Casillas, who won his third UCL title with Los Blancos this year on top of impressive trophy haul at national leve, is widely regarded by many as one of the top goalkeepers in the game today and presently holds the record for the most caps earned, a total of 153 and counting.

Then there is the ever-present contingent from both the aforementioned Real Madrid and their bitter rivals Barcelona; with players like Sergio Ramos, Gerard Pique, Sergio Busquets, Xabi Alonso, Xavi, and Andres Iniesta all playing key roles over the course of Spain's rise to dominance over the past few years. For the 30-year-old Iniesta, who had a disappointing season by his high standards at club level, he will hope to make up for this by again shining on the international stage as it was his goal that secured La Furia Roja's first World Cup title four years ago.

And last, but not least is all-time leading scorer David Villa, who had a quiet qualifying campaign but a solid outing with Atleti during their La Liga winning season.

In a flashback to the final contested four years ago, Spain will take on runners up the Netherlands in their first match which, on paper at least, looks to be the toughest team out of their group which also includes Chile and Australia.

Where to catch them in action

Want to stay on top of all Spain's matches this summer? Visit their match page to find out times and channels for your specific country.