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How Spain qualified for Euro 2012
Giants Spain had to play against Lithuania, Liechtenstein, Scotland and the Czech Republic in the UEFA Euro 2012 qualifiers. The Spaniards enjoyed positive run which included 4-0 and 6-0 wins against Liechtenstein.
With 24 points from 8 games, Spain secured automatic tickets to this summer’s competition. However, the road was not as smooth as numbers may suggest.
Scotland threatened Spain’s perfect record when both teams met in Glasgow in October 2010. A 58th minute strike from Naismith and a 67th minute own goal from Gerard Pique cancelled Spain’s 2-0 lead. However, Fernando Llorente rescued his side with a winner 11 minutes from time.
Euro 2008 titleholders Spain had to come from behind to beat the Czechs in March 2011. David Villa scored twice from the penalty spot to cancel Plasil’s first half opener. This match on home soil and the game away to Scotland proved to be Spain’s toughest challenges during the Euro 2012 qualifiers.
Who is Spain’s coach?
Vicente Del Bosque ranks among world football’s most successful personalities. The former Real Madrid star lifted the Copa del Rey title 4 times and won La Liga 5 times as a player. He later coached the Spanish giants and tasted glory in the league, the UEFA Champions League, the UEFA Super Cup, the Intercontinental Cup, the Copa Iberoamericana and the Supercopa de Espana.
Vicente Del Bosque switched to international football in 2008 when he got appointed as Spain’s manager. He led La Furia Roja to a historic triumph in the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa. His mission is to ensure that Spain’s golden era continues.
Who are Spain’s key players?
Fernando Torres
Do not underestimate the ex-Liverpool player even if he is not as sharp as he used to be in his early days at Anfield. Fernando Torres remains in Spain’s history book for scoring the winning goal in the final of Euro 2008. The Chelsea signing can also boast about a UEFA Champions League medal.
Torres, who has never lost a final in his career, could play an important role for Spain during Euro 2012. He may not get enough playing time or he may miss a handful of clear chances on goal during the tournament. However, he could once again be the man to offer Spain that special moment of glory.
Silva, Mata, Xavi and Iniesta
Spain have a wide range of stars. Their midfield is packed with talent. The combination of David Silva, Juan Mata, Xavi Hernandez and Andres Iniesta could tear oppositions apart.
Xavi’s stats in terms of passing accuracy are high and his partnership with Andres Iniesta in Barcelona is good news for the Spanish national team. Both players know each other very well. Possession football perfectly suits their style.
Silva and Mata are more physical in their play and they have a good attacking flair. They both enjoyed a great 2011/12 season with their respective club so they should be in top form mentally.
Iker Casillas
The Real Madrid skipper is a living legend. After over 100 matches for the Spanish national team, Iker Casillas remains the undisputed first-choice goalkeeper. Thankfully for Spanish supporters, the 31-year-old veteran is full of confidence ahead of Euro 2012. With a La Liga medal round his neck, Iker Casillas can look ahead to a glorious summer in Poland and Ukraine.
Spain’s Euro 2012 squad
Goalkeepers: Iker Casillas, Pepe Reina, Victor Valdes
Defenders: Alvaro Arbeloa, Sergio Ramos, Juanfran, Jordi Alba, Raul Albiol, Gerard Pique, Javi Martinez
Midfielders: Xavi, Sergio Busquets, Andres Iniesta, Xabi Alonso, David Silva, Santi Cazorla, Cesc Fabregas, Juan Mata
Forwards: Jesus Navas, Pedro, Fernando Llorente, Fernando Torres, Alvaro Negredo
Who are Spain’s Euro 2012 group opponents?
Spain are in Group C with 2006 FIFA World Cup winners Italy. La Furia Roja will also face Croatia and the Republic of Ireland.
Spain’s group matches schedule
June 10, 2012: Spain vs Italy – PGE Arena, Gdansk
June 14, 2012: Spain vs Republic of Ireland – PGE Arena, Gdansk
June 18, 2012: Croatia vs Spain – PGE Arena Gdansk
More on Spain’s live streaming and TV schedule info page.
FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking
Reigning European and world champions Spain top the FIFA/Coca-Cola Ranking and their mission is to hold on to the first spot as long as possible. Other teams at Euro 2012 will try to bring them down but Vicente Del Bosque’s players will be out to prove that Spain’s era is not over yet.
