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.
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