Spain at the 2022 World Cup: a generation with the hope of gold

The Spanish team, which will play in Group E at the World Cup in Qatar, is considered one of the frontrunners of the tournament. It is high time to introduce them.

Spain

The ancient land of the Iberian Peninsula knew Iberians and Romans, Goths and Arab Caliphates and Emirates, before the Spanish Empire emerged in 1492. It was from here that Christopher Columbus set sail for the Americas, beginning the colonization of the continent, which the Spaniards began. It was the beginning of an era of prosperity that lasted more than three centuries. But even today, Spain remains a distinctive and significant state, one of the most economically developed in the world. And also the country of bullfighting and flamenco, Cervantes and Lorca, Velázquez and Dali. And, of course, Real Madrid and Barcelona, because soccer is also a national trait of Spaniards and their heritage. The spectacular, passionate, uncompromising Spanish style draws millions of fans to the matches of La Liga and the local team.

Spain's national soccer team

Its history dates back to the 1920 Summer Olympics in Antwerp, where the Spaniards won silver. But when the World Cup began to play, the "Red Fury" did not immediately reach the top positions. Debut for her was the World Cup in Italy in 1934: there, the Spaniards in the 1/8 finals beat Brazil - 3:1, but then lost to the Italians - 1:1, 0:1 replay.

Further than the quarterfinals, the Spanish national team at the World Cup could not get more 76 years! Although by that time the team had twice been the best in Europe in 1964 and 2008, and in 1984 won the silver medal, and there has never been a lack of talented local players. But the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa turned out in triumph. True, it began with an embarrassment - in the first leg of the group stage, the Spaniards lost to Switzerland 0-1. But then David Villa's double brought victory over Honduras - 2-0, and then the "Red Fury" dealt with Chile - 2-1. The Spaniards in South Africa were no paragon of recklessness, winning all four of their playoff matches 1-0 against Portugal, Paraguay, Germany and the Netherlands.

Two years later, this golden generation will win another European Championship, but then it is cut off: at the 2014 World Cup, Spain will not make the group, and in 2018 will be eliminated in the 1/8 finals after the famous save by Igor Akinfeev. Only in 2021 will the Spaniards regain their former aesthetics and winning ways, reaching the Euro semifinals and only losing in a penalty shootout to the future champions Italians.

The stars of the Spanish team

The whole team is a true earthly constellation. Defenders Jordi Alba, Cesar Azpilicueta, Dani Carvajal, midfielders Sergio Busquets and Pedri, Koke and Rodri, Gavi and Dani Olmo, strikers Alvaro Morata and Marco Asensio, Ferran Torres and Pablo Sarabia. Yes, this generation is inferior to the golden team from the days of Villa, Iniesta and Xavi, but it will make noise for sure.

Opponents in Group "E"

Germany, Japan, Costa Rica.

Spanish team performance forecast

The Spaniards will get out of the group easily and should overcome the first round of the playoffs without any problems. In general, qualifying for the semifinals will be acceptable: it is difficult to call the Red Fury a contender for the title, but quite a candidate for medalists.