UEFA Euro Team Watch – Spain

The Euro 2008 winners and reigning World Champions Spain will try to make history by winning Euro 2012. No team ever has won Euro-World Cup-Euro. But with the likes of David Villa and Puyol out, they have to work hard to get through the tough teams in Europe.

Group C opponents – Italy, Republic of Ireland, Croatia

Past Records in Euro

In 1988, Spain qualified impressively for the final tournament of European Championship, but were knocked out from the group stage winning one and losing two games.

Spain failed to qualify for Euro 1992 finishing third in the qualifiers.

In Euro 1996, Spain qualified to get a group consisting of France, Romania and Bulgaria. Spain confirmed their place in quarter-finals where they played hosts England. England won the game on penalty shoot-out.

Spain was again knocked out of the tournament in the quarter-finals but this time France eliminated them with a 2-1 win.

In Euro 2004, Spain was in group A with Portugal, Greece and Russia. Euro 2004 was full of surprises as Spain failed to qualify for the knock-outs, falling behind Greece and Portugal.

Euro 2008

Euro 2008 finally proved to be successful for Spain and was a major factor in the World football dominance.

Spain qualified for Euro 2008 top of the group gaining 28 points out of possible 36.

They won all of their 3 games in the group stage beating Russia, Sweden and defending champions Greece. Spain faced reigning World Cup holders Italy in the quarter-finals. The 90 minutes ended in draw resulting in penalty shoot-out which Spain won by 4-2.

Spain again faced Russia in the semis and thrashed them 3-0.

In the final, Spain defeated Germany 1-0, a goal from Fernando Torres, to win the tournament. This was the first major international tournament win for Spain since 1964. Xavi was declared the player of the tournament.

Euro 2012

Road to Qualification

Spain won 8 out of 8 games to top the group in qualification.

                                                                  Probable Line-up

Casillas

Arbeloa – Ramos – Pique – Alba

Busquets

Xavi –   Xabi Alonso

Iniesta – Torres - Silva

Most capped Players

Iker Casillas – 129 caps (0 goals)

Xavi Hernández  – 108 caps (10 goals)

Fernando Torres – 91 caps (27 goals)

Top Goalscorers

Fernando Torres – 27 goals

David Silva – 15 goals

Xabi Alonso  – 12 goals

Man To Watch

                                                                Xavi Hernández 

Xavi Hernandez, player of the tournament for Euro 2008, is again the man to watch for Spain. With Spain struggling with strikers, his killer balls can prove to be boon for Spain to grab the tournament this time. Xavi has been commanding Spain’s midfield since 2000. So, everyone will look for his command in the field and even more, his assists.